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Athena:
Oh, no! I'm gonna be late! *huff* *puff* Whew, finally. So, this is it... the illustrious Themis Legal Academy. (This is the place where many distinguished lawyers and prosecutors got their start. When news spread that Mr. Wright had gotten his attorney's badge back... ...he received a call from this school, asking him to pay a visit. Mr. Wright brought us along, hoping we'd learn something from the experience. But no, I had to go and blow it by getting here thirty minutes late. At least it's not all business today! After all, today's their school festival!)

October 24, 1:29 PM
Themis Legal Academy - 1F Hallway

Athena:(Wow! This place has school festival written all over it... literally! But why all the cold stares? Is it because everyone's in a school uniform except me? Well, I like the way I dress! Wonder where Mr. Wright and Apollo are?)

Your attention please. This is an announcement from the Mock Trial Committee. The mock trial will begin shortly. All students and faculty please proceed at once to the Lecture Hall. Thank you.

Athena:(Sounds like a mock trial is about to start, but where's this Lecture Hall? Looks like all the students and faculty are heading that way. Might as well join them. Maybe I'll find Mr. Wright and Apollo there!)

October 24, 1:33 PM
Themis Legal Academy - 3F Lecture Hall

Athena:(This must be the Lecture Hall. Wow, they spent some serious money on this place. The District Court can't even compete.)

Phoenix:
It's okay. Sorry we couldn't wait for you. But we didn't want to be late for our meeting.

Apollo:
Lucky for you, the person we're supposed to meet also seems to be running late.

???:
Mr. Wright, Mr. Justice, it seems Prof. Courte has yet to arrive. How un-professorial of her to keep visitors to our esteemed institution waiting like this! I shall make her write "I will not--" ...Oh, who do we have here?

Phoenix:
Oh, right. You haven't been introduced yet.

???:
Ah, yes. You must be the young lady Mr. Wright was telling me about. I am Aristotle Means, a professor at this hallowed hall of teaching. I oversee the lawyer course here. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Means:
How wonderful! So vigorous and vivacious. You just earned yourself a gold star.

Athena:
Wow, thanks! (That big smile of his is kinda scary, though.)

Apollo:
Looks like the mock trial's about to begin. What are we going to do about our meeting?

Athena:
Oh, speaking of the mock trial, do either of you know what it's about?

Means:
Oh, but I thought we had sent a pamphlet to your office.

Phoenix:
Right, the pamphlet... Whatever happened to that?

Athena:
You won't be seeing it again. Trucy used it for the old rip-it-up-and-restore-it trick. ...Unfortunately, it didn't work as advertised.

Means:
Well, it seems I had better explain the situation, then.

Phoenix:
Thank you, Professor.

Talk

Themis Legal Academy

Means:
Now, does anyone have any questions?

Athena:
I do, professor! Could you tell me all about your school?!

Means:
What an excellent question. Here's a gold star for asking! Our academy has three courses to choose from. Students seeking to be lawyers take the lawyer course. Likewise... ...budding prosecutors take the prosecutor course, and future judges, the judge course.

Athena:
Wow, you have everything here for someone who wants to seriously pursue a career in law!

Means:
Yes, well, that's what makes our school special, and today even more so. After all, today we are to be treated to a lecture by the legendary attorney Phoenix Wright. We can't wait to hear all about his return to the legal profession

Athena:
You're giving a lecture, Mr. Wright? But you're not even a professor.

Phoenix:
Ah ha ha. Yeah, well I'm just giving them what they want.

Today's plans

Athena:
Uh, did you even know you were meant to be giving a lecture here today?

Phoenix:
Yeah, sort of. But I came early because I was supposed to have a meeting... ...with the head of the judge course, Constance Courte.

Apollo:
It's been a whirlwind of a morning. Let's leave it at that.

Means:
Prof. Courte... She is a wonderful instructor, but quite unpunctual.

Athena:
A training seminar? For lawyers? What exactly does that involve?

Means:
Why, it involves the very skills that make a lawyer, a lawyer! The arm angle when shouting, "Objection!" The proper way to strike the podium... How to project one's voice... And most importantly, how to bluff your way to victory!

Phoenix:
Huh? Um, who exactly do you want me to teach stuff like that to again?

Means:
What a wonderful question. You just earned yourself a gold star! The great honor of taking a seminar by a famous lawyer and a famous prosecutor... That is what is at stake in the mock trial, the crown jewel of the school festival.

The mock trial

Means:
The mock trial in question is a prestigious event that every student aspires to win. The top student in the lawyer course and the top student in the prosecutor course... ...face off in a simulated court case set in this very school! As for the case itself... ...we select the best script written by a judge course student and base our case on that!

Athena:
Ooh! A one-on-one battle?! How thrilling!

Phoenix:
So, if the student studying to be a lawyer wins, they get to take my training seminar? But what if the other student wins? I'm not a prosecutor, so...

Means:
There's no cause for alarm. We have a famous prosecutor ready for just such a case. But exactly who it is, well, that is a special surprise!

Athena:
A famous prosecutor? (No, it can't be...)

Present

Anything

Means:
What magnificent presentation technique! Both your timing and speed were impeccable.

Athena:
Speed?! You mean speed's important when presenting evidence, too?

Means:
Absolutely! The speed and approach angle theorems are the first things we teach here! I believe Mr. Wright and others like him already make extensive use of them.

Athena:
You do, Boss?!

Phoenix:
Well... to some degree, I guess, ah ha ha.

Athena:
It never even crossed my mind. (This lawyer thing is deeper than I thought!)

???:
...Prof. Means, forgive me for interrupting you and your guests. I'm Juniper Woods, a third year in the judge course. Professor, the trial will begin shortly. Since you'll be delivering the pre-trial speech... ...would you mind waiting up in the balcony until we're ready for you?

Means:
My, how very organized you are, Juniper. You just earned yourself a gold star, too. But what about Prof. Courte... Well, I suppose she'll eventually arrive. Now then, I trust you will look after our visitors, Juniper?

Woods:
Yes, of course, Prof. Means.

Athena:
Juniper? Juniper Woods? Is that you?

Woods:
Hm? ...Then-- Athena?! I almost didn't recognize you. I didn't know you were back from Europe.

Phoenix:
Wait, you two know each other? Now that's a coincidence.

Athena:
We've known each other since we were kids. We're like best friends, right, Junie?!

Woods:
Yes... Well, we lived close to each other, so we used to play in the forest together.

Athena:
Yeah, like a lot a lot. (Why won't she look at me? I guess I shouldn't be surprised since we haven't seen each other in a long time.)

Apollo:
Anyway... we're supposed to go wait in the waiting room, right? Not that I wouldn't mind taking in the mock trial you're putting on today.

Woods:
Unfortunately, the mock trial is only for students and faculty. There is one seat reserved for Mr. Wright, but no other exceptions are allowed.

Means:
Yes, I'm very sorry, but it is part of the student curriculum, after all. I hope you won't mind remaining in the waiting room until the trial concludes.

Apollo:
Oh, that's too bad. I was hoping to learn something new today.

Phoenix:
...I'll tell you what, Apollo. Why don't you take my place?

Apollo:
What? Really?

Phoenix:
Sure. Besides, I'd like to meet with Prof. Courte as soon as she gets here.

Athena:
I've heard that countless people live in dread of your pointer finger. Were you really that scary back then, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:
Ah ha ha. Strike one. I've always been just as you see me here.

Athena:
A harmless sheep in wolf's clothing?

Phoenix:
Strike two.

Athena:
Do you have an old picture of yourself? Wait, never mind! I'm not sure I want to see it!

Phoenix:
Strike three, you're out.

Anything else

Phoenix:
Listen, Athena. There's a certain amount of etiquette involved in presenting evidence. You're free to shove this or that into my face, but... ...at least get my attention first or give me some sort of a warning.

Athena:
(In other words, do as I say, not as I do.)

Examine

Anything besides the body

Athena:
We should start by studying the body. Hmm, I wonder what's the best angle for this?

Body

Athena:
(Ugh. I guess I really do have to examine the body... Well, guess I'd better get used to stuff like this if I want to be a full-fledged lawyer!)

Arrow

Athena:
Ugh... There's an arrow stuck in her side. Gunshot wounds and stab wounds are pretty common, but arrow wounds?

Phoenix:
This is a homicide any way you slice it. In other words, we have a murder on our hands.

Athena:
(A murder?! Here?!) S-So, that makes this arrow the murder weapon. Well, that and the bow that shot it.

Phoenix:
Right, but where could the killer have shot her from? The stage is a sea of obstructions? I'm no expert on archery, but it can't be easy to hit a target with this much stuff around.

Athena:
Would it be possible to kill someone by stabbing them with an arrow?

Phoenix:
I'm not sure. Guess we better do some more investigating before jumping to conclusions.

Arrow added to the Court Record.

Planner

Phoenix:
What do we have here...? A book? I'm guessing it fell out of her chest pocket.

Athena:
Wait! What if it's her diary?! That's the most private thing a girl has!

Phoenix:
True, but considering the situation at hand, my apologies to the late Prof. Courte.

Athena:
No, don't!

Phoenix:
Hmm, looks more like a planner than a diary. Every page seems to have the same sword mark printed on it at that.

Athena:
I still think a girl deserves her privacy, but this may help us solve the case.

Courte's Planner added to the Court Record.

Any other area

Phoenix:
Notice anything strange about the body? Take a deep breath, and then take a good look.

Athena:
Um... well, now that you mentioned it, there's no blood around it.

Phoenix:
Yet the victim's body is cold and rigor mortis has already started to dissipate. It would appear that quite some time has passed since Prof. Courte was murdered. Thing is, the quad was packed with students up until the start of the mock trial.

Athena:
Wait, then doesn't that mean she was killed at a different location? Ooh, I know! The killer moved the body here while everyone was in the Lecture Hall!

Phoenix:
That's a definite possibility. Notice anything else?

Athena:
Umm... Her arms are raised over her head and there are dark bruises around her wrists.

Phoenix:
Yeah. The professor was probably tied up with something.

Athena:
Eventually, her wrists were unbound, and as she reached up to stretch, she was killed? ...Actually, I'm not so sure about this theory...

Phoenix:
Um... Well, there's not exactly a lot to go on...

Athena:
I think that's about all we're going to find out from the body for now.

Phoenix:
Nice work, Athena. Your face only turned five shades of pale. I was expecting fifty. We should probably take a picture of the crime scene, just in case.

Athena:
Okay, I'm on it! Say cheese!

Phoenix:
Cheese? And I thought I was the one with the twisted sense of humor.

Athena:
I think that should do it.

Phoenix:
All right, let's take a better look around the area while we wait for the police to arrive.

Athena:
This pile of rubble sticks out like a sore thumb. Looks like broken pottery or plaster. Maybe this is the source of that noise we heard.

Phoenix:
Hmm, there were supposedly two statues on this stage. I seem to recall hearing that a coed from the Fine Art Club had made them.

Athena:
There were two? Then that thing over there is the remains of another statue?

Phoenix:
This could be related to the case. Let's take a closer look.

Anything besides the pile of rubble

Athena:
There's definitely something here, but there are other pressing issues to take care of. Like doing a careful search of the area around that broken statue.

Broken statue

Athena:
Wonder what this was a statue of. Whatever it was, it was reddish-purple in color.

Phoenix:
When Apollo and I first got here, both statues were already here, but they were covered up. I bet they were waiting to unveil them when the school festival moved here to this stage.

Athena:
You mean this duffle bag-looking thing was actually being used to cover the statues? I guess that just leaves the question, were they broken by accident or on purpose? Hmm... What a puzzle this is.

Newspaper

Athena:
There's something buried in the rubble. ...The Themis Herald?

Phoenix:
Wait, we shouldn't disturb it. Let's just read what we can.

Athena:
"Final Act in Torrid Love Triangle Centered on Campus She-Devil Juniper Woods" "Level-headed lawyer course genuis and hot-blooded prosecutor course student... ...will go head to head in a mock trial battle for the she-devil's black heart! Hugh O'Conner has declared that he will confess to her if he wins!" Wait, whaaaaaaaaat?! I seriously wish I hadn't read that!

Phoenix:
You find that more shocking than discovering a murder victim's body?

Athena:
B-B-But, we're talking about my friend Junie here! She'd never lead guys on like that!

Phoenix:
Athena, you don't believe everything you read, do you? This article is clearly written with malicious intent. I'm not buying a word of it.

Athena:
Y-You're right. But it's still disturbing, even if it's third-rate tabloid material.

Themis Herald added to the Court Record.

???:
Mr. Wright! Athena!

Athena:
Oh, here comes Apollo! I've never seen anyone move so fast!

Apollo:
*huff*... *huff*... Listen! Something big's happened! I was at the mock trial when the police announced a body had been found on campus!

Phoenix:
That's right. And we're the ones who phoned it in. We found Prof. Courte dead behind the witness stand over there.

Apollo:
WH-WHAAAT?! Can you show me?! ...What the--?!

Athena:
We've already had a quick look at the body. It's definitely a homicide. Once the police get here--

Apollo:
No, I know it's a homicide! I'm shocked because it's the same! Exactly the same!

Phoenix:
Whoa there, Apollo. Take a deep breath and explain what you mean.

Apollo:
It's the same! The body, that is! It's just like it was in the mock trial!

Athena:
What? It's like the mock trial?

Apollo:
I know! It sounds crazy, b-but... The body's location and position, the murder weapon, the lack of pooling blood... It's all exactly like the mock trial!

Athena:
You're kidding, right? It can't really all be the same... can it...?

October 24
Themis Legal Academy - 3F Lecture Hall

Phoenix:
The whole school's in an uproar. There won't be any more classes today.

Apollo:
A murder on campus... That's the last thing I expected at a legal academy.

Phoenix:
I'll go tell Prof. Means what we observed when we discovered the body. You two wait here until you've spoken with the police.

Athena:
Yes, Boss!

Apollo:
*sigh* I can't believe this is happening.

Athena:
I can't believe we have to wait around here. I can't stay still at times like these. (I hope Junie hasn't fainted from the shock of this whole thing.)

Woods:
Ah! Thena... er, I mean, Athena. There you are.

Athena:
Junie! Am I glad to see you! I was worried that--

Woods:
Don't worry about me. I am Student Council President, after all. I need to be strong.

Athena:
Student Council President? Wow, I'm impressed. (She's really changed. She used to be kind of sickly and shy.)

Apollo:
Juniper was it? You mind if we ask you a few questions?

Athena:
Yeah, we're stuck here waiting for the police. And there's really not much to do.

Woods:
Sure, what would you like to know?

Talk

Juniper Woods

Athena:
I haven't seen you in ages, Junie! What's it been, seven years or so?

Woods:
Yes, and I remember how you were always there for me, Athena.

Athena:
Um, maybe it's just me, but I wanted to ask why you seem so distant. Remember how you used to call me Thena? I liked it better that way. It felt like we were sisters, you know?

Woods:
Yes, but I'm Student Council President now. And as the student representative of Themis Legal Academy, I have to act properly.

Athena:
(She was never this stiff and formal before.) I knew you wanted to be a judge, but I didn't expect this. It's such a prestigious school. And you're in the judge course to boot.

Woods:
Yes. And Prof. Courte had been in charge of it until... well, you know.

Athena:
(Oh, right. Prof. Courte was the professor in charge of Junie's course...)

Constance Courte

Apollo:
What sort of teacher was Prof. Courte?

Woods:
If I had to sum her up in a single word, I'd say she was "amazing." "A judge must always seek the truth." That was her mantra, and she used it in trying to... ...fix what was wrong with our school. She was a beacon of hope in this dark age of the law.

Athena:
What's wrong with our school? What did you mean by that?

Woods:
Oh, uh, nothing! Never mind.

Athena:
(Am I imagining things or did I just detect something in Junie's voice?)

Woods:
Prof. Courte chose my script for the mock trial.

Athena:
Oh? You mean all of the students in the judge course had to submit a script? And yours was the one she selected? Wow, that's amazing, Junie!

Woods:
Oh, th-thanks you. But now, Prof. Courte is... Who would do such a thing? Just yesterday we were working together, trying to get things ready... *cough* *cough* *cough* Excuse me.

Athena:
Are you all right, Junie? Maybe you should take it easy for a while. (So she's still got that cough... Guess she's not as strong as she pretends to be.)

The mock trial

Athena:
Why do you need a script in a showdown between a lawyer and a prosecutor?

Woods:
Well, we were simulating a trial, so we needed a script as a framework. All the details about the incident and the people involved are included in the script. We also prepared a crime scene, photos, a murder weapon, and other kinds of evidence.

Apollo:
Wow, you guys think of everything. Must be hard getting all that ready.

Woods:
Yes, well... it was only Prof. Courte and I. After all, we didn't want the script or other elements of the mock trial to get leaked. We were the only ones in the entire school who knew all of the details.

Athena:
Must've been a big pain in the-- er, I mean, that must've been really difficult.

Woods:
I wrote the script so that the case could go either way. That way, the defense and the prosecution both had an equal chance of winning.

???:
YEAAAAAH! She gave an award-winning performance as the defendant, maaaaaan!!!

Apollo:
Um, I think I found a rival to my Chords of Steel.

Woods:
Hugh, Robin, aren't you going to introduce yourselves to our guests? As Student Council President, I won't have you treating them rudely.

???:
Heh, you're right. I heard Mr. Wright was bringing a couple of guests with him. That would be you two? Apollo Justice and Athena Cykes?

Athena:
Yep! I'm Athena Cykes!

Apollo:
And I'm Apollo Justice. Nice to meet you.

???:
...I'll pass on the handshake. I'm studying to be a lawyer. The name's Hugh O'Conner. ...But some call me Mr. Perfect because I never score less than 100% on tests.

Athena:
(Ugh. Most... pretentious... introduction... EVER. And what's with his hand? Is is glued to the inside of his pocket or what? Yeesh.)

???:
Lemme be the first to apologize for Hugh's totally rude introduction! SORRRRRY!!! Now, here's my intro! I'm Robin Newman!!! I'm studying to be a prosecutor! Like the really cool kind that nails the bad guys! NOOOOOO!!! Where's the sincerity?!

Woods:
These two were the lawyer and the prosecutor in today's mock trial. And even though I wrote the script, I also played the part of the defendant.

Athena:
"Final Act in Torrid Love Triangle Centered on Campus She-Devil Juniper Woods" "Level-headed lawyer course genuis and hot-blooded prosecutor course student... ...will go head to head in a mock trial battle for the she-devil's black heart!" (Wait, THESE two are the guys who supposedly have a thing for Junie?)

O'Conner:
Heh. Juniper, come on. Your role's way beyond just that.

Newman:
That's riiiiiight! The mock trial's just the start! She's also in the school festival's main event! Live on stage, Juniper Woods! And the crowd goes bananas! WOOOOO!!!

Woods:
......... I'm... I'm supposed to sing at the school festival. All of the other girls were too embarrassed to try out, so...

Athena:
My Junie singing? On a stage in front of people? (Wow, she really HAS changed.)

Your performance

Woods:
I was responsible for making everyone's stage costumes.
And this is what I'll be wearing.

Athena:
That's amazing, Junie, but then again, you were always good at that kind of thing. These constellations in particular are really something.

Woods:
Oh! Um, thank you. One of my favorite things to do is to look up at the stars in the middle of the forest.

Apollo:
Huh, so you're a fan of the night sky then?

Athena:
Wow Apollo, didn't know you were such a romantic.

Apollo:
I-It's not like that! I have this friend -- he and I go way back -- who got me really interested in space.

Athena:
Wait, you had friends when you were young? Color me surprised!

Woods:
As Student Council President, I cannot allow such mean-spirited teasing to continue.

Athena:
Eep.... (I think she's angry.)

Stage Costume added to the Court Record.

Woods:
The costumes were no problem, but as for singing, I'm not sure I--

Newman:
NOOOOO! YOU CAN DOOOOOO IIIIIIT!!!

O'Conner:
That's right. And anyone who says otherwise will have to answer to me.

Athena:
(It's like a chivalrous love triangle -- a damsel in distress and two knights in shining armor. Maybe that Themis Herald article wasn't too far from the truth. Speaking of the latest news, I wonder how the mock trial turned out.)

So, who won?

Athena:
So, how did the mock trial end?

Woods:
We were just about to reach a verdict when the police arrived. Now we'll never know how it would've turned out.

Apollo:
I guess that's what happens when there's a real murder during a fake murder trial.

Athena:
It ended right before the verdict? Talk about bad timing...

O'Conner:
.........

Newman:
I was THIS close, maaan! I bet I woulda won!!!

Apollo:
But I bet the defense wasn't doing too badly either, right?

O'Conner:
We'll settle this some other time. And I assure you, I WILL win when that time comes.

Newman:
Like I'm gonna let that happen! I DON'T THINK SO!!!

Athena:
I hope they don't end up hurting each other.

Woods:
Oh, don't worry. The three of us have been good friends since we enrolled here.

O'Conner:
Heh. We even have proof of our friendship.

Athena:
Proof? Like physical evidence, proof?

Woods:
Yes. We're studying for a career in law, and in the legal world, evidence is everything.

Newman:
Yeaaaaaah!!! As long as our friendship lasts! You can bet we'll be carrying them around!

Athena:
Ah, the famed "Themis Legal Academy ingenuity" at work! So, what exactly is this proof of friendship, anyway?

Woods:
.........Well... It's a secret. And if I show you, it would be bad luck.

Fulbright:
Ah-ha! So, you're the lawyers the dispatch said were first on scene! I can't tell you everything, but I will say this. There are two major reasons for her arrest. Number one! The suspect led someone to where the body was.

Woods:
I-I didn't--!

Fulbright:
And number two! The crime scene is exactly how the suspect portrayed it in her script!

Athena:
But...! You can't arrest her on just those grounds!

Fulbright:
True. But there's more! However, Prosecutor Blackquill specifically told me to say no more than that!

Athena:(So Blackquill's the prosecuting attorney on this one, too...?)

Policeman:
Detective Fulbright! We found this in the suspect's pocket!

Fulbright:
Hm? Wh-Why there's...! There's blood on this!

Woods:
Th-That's evidence we made for the mock trial!

Fulbright:
A mock... trial? Never heard of such a thing, but it sounds fishy to me! Real fishy! Now, if you would, officers.

Policeman:
Yes, sir!

Woods:
B-But... *cough, cough* I... *cough*

Athena:
Junie! (I have to do something! I... I can't let them take her away like this!)

Fulbright:
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.

Athena:
............

Athena:

Fulbright:
Hate to interrupt your bonding time, but... Aren't you rather new to all this? You're barely even a lawyer!

Athena:
Well, I don't have much experience, and I may need Apollo and Mr. Wright's help at times... ...but nobody believes in Junie as much as I do!

Apollo:
I'll help you, too, Juniper. There's no way you murdered your professor.

Fulbright:
Guess things worked out after all. Now that you have your lawyers, Ms. Woods, it's time for us to head back to the station.

Athena:(I can't believe Junie's been arrested for murder. And I can't believe I accepted her case without asking Mr. Wright!)

Apollo:
Take a deep breath and relax, Athena. I'm here to help with whatever you need, so let's get right on the case!

Athena:
Right!

O'Conner:
Heh. I won't have this case left in the hands of rank amateurs. If anyone's going to solve this case, it'll be me. Time to investigate.

Athena:
Why that smug little--! (He hasn't even finished law school!)

Newman:
HUUUUUUGH!!! That was totally ruuude!!! And you're not the only one on the case, maaaaaan!!! I'm in, too! Big time! JUUUUUUUUUNIPER WOOOOOOODS!!! I'm gonna save yooooooooou!!!

Apollo:
Now that those two are gone, let's get back to what I was talking about in front of the stage. ...About the mock trial, that is.

Athena:
Oh, right! You said the victim's location, position, and so on were just like in the script!

Apollo:
Exactly. But without the script or any props, it's kind of hard to explain.

???:
Perhaps I could help... Herr Forehead.

Apollo:
P-Prosecutor Gavin! What are you doing here?

Athena:
You two seem to know each other. Is someone going to introduce me?

Klavier:
Why, I do believe we have a fresh face here. Greetings, Fräulein. I am Klavier Gavin. Some know me as a prosecutor, but I'm most famous for my former rock band. We were quite popular you know, but regrettably, the band went kaput. Perhaps you've heard of us? The Gavinners? I was the lead vocalist.

Athena:
Never heard of your band. Then again, I was out of the country till only recently. But... can I get your autograph?!

Apollo:
You just met him like three seconds ago and you want his autograph?

Klavier:
Forgive me Fräulein, but I've retired from the music biz. But I'd be happy to offer my autograph as rock star prosecutor, Klavier Gavin.

Klavier:
A pleasure to meet you too, Athena Cykes. Now that the intros are out of the way... ...I'm sure you have some questions for me, ja, Herr Forehead?

Talk

Why are you here?

Apollo:
So, what are you doing here, Prosecutor Gavin?

Klavier:
I'm here for the same reason as your boss -- to give a lecture and a training seminar.

Athena:
(So HE'S the famous prosecutor they invited!)

Klavier:
And... I have another crucial role to play. The Gavinners are getting back together for a one-time special performance.

Apollo:
Even though you guys disbanded? ...Which was a shame, by the way. Really.

Klavier:
Ja, I know how much you... adored our music, Herr Forehead. Anyway, I studied abroad in Germany to get my badge early, but I did graduate from here.

Athena:
Wait, so that performance Junie mentioned...

Klavier:
I see you've already heard about that. One student representative was selected to sing with us onstage. And the stage was supposed to look like this tomorrow. Two big banners and a pair of wicked statues. This is just an illustration, but it's not half bad.

Athena:
Wicked statues...? Wait are these supposed to be you and Mr. Wright?

Klavier:
Bingo, Fräulein. And they were so big and magnificent, too! What a terrible waste. But the worst part of this whole thing is... ...my long-awaited reunion with my mentor never came to pass.

Athena:
Wait, don't tell me your mentor was--!

Klavier:
Prof. Courte. She was the one who taught me how to think about the law.

Klavier:
She may have taught the judge course, but she had a huge impact on me. She was fond of saying, "The end is only justified through proper means." She wouldn't tolerate dishonesty and always revered what was right beyond all else.

Klavier:
Achtung, baby! I brought the house down and had the crowd on its feet! Ever since, the academy has held a live concert in conjunction with the mock trial.

Athena:
(All I wanted to know was how the trials turned out...)

Anything else

Klavier:
Why, Fräulein, what a wonderful piece of evidence you have there. But I imagine no matter what you present... ...it would be impossible for it to be more persuasive than your beauty.

Athena:
(Too bad it doesn't work that way in court, too...)

Klavier:
Now, let's rock this place hard!

Apollo:
Huh? I don't follow. Let's rock what?

Klavier:
Forget already, Herr Forehead? I said I'd help you explain the mock trial. We're going to reprise it right here in the Lecture Hall! It might help us catch her killer!

October 24

Themis Legal Academy - 3F Lecture Hall

Mock Trial Reenactment

All Rise

Klavier:
Right. the stage is ready. And you, Herr Forehead? Ready to rock?!

Apollo:
Um, no, the defense is not ready to rock.

Klavier:
You saw the actual mock trial earlier, right? Just relax, you'll do fine. Besides, we have the script right here.

Athena:
Junie's masterpiece?! The one everyone's been talking about?!

Klavier:
Ja, and there's only one in existence. I "borrowed" it, if you will. Now, Fräulein, we'll need you to play the part of defendant and judge as per the script.

Athena:
Okay, got it!

Klavier:
I've only read the case outline so far. I don't know how it actually turns out, so I'll treat this like I'm prosecuting a real case. You, Herr Forehead, will play the part of a fledgling lawyer, a role you were born to play. All the evidence is also here with us. We have everything we need to reprise the mock trial.

Athena:
Très bien! Let's get started. Defendant-slash-judge Athena Cykes, is psyched and ready to rock! Court is now in session for our reenactment of the mock trial... ...or what I'd like to call the mock mock trial!

Klavier:
Ja, a double mockery, perhaps, but a trial is still a trial. Achtung, baby! It's no holds barred! Let's rock!

Apollo:
Aw, can't we take it easy today?

Athena:

Athena:
It may just be a mock of a mock, but there's only one way to compete! You play to win! So remember, each time I catch you slacking off, I'm holding you in contempt of court!

Apollo:
Great... A judge that voices her own objections AND abuses her judicial powers.

Klavier:
You got it, Fräulein Judge! Our case is set in a school very much like this one. The victim -- a professor, female. The defendant -- an Archery Club member, also female.

Athena:
Oh me, oh my... I'm innocent! Innocent I tell you!

Klavier:
That's some seriously bad acting, Fräulein. Anyway, the victim's body was discovered in the middle of the quad. Here's a shot of the crime scene. Ironically, it was Prof. Courte who posed as the corpse. Herr Forehead, how did the mock trial participants react to this photo?

Apollo:
Mr. Newman was surprised by what Prof. Courte was wearing. He reacted with, "Oh, the green sweat suit."

Athena:
(That's not exactly what I would pick to focus on, so why would he care about that?)

Klavier:
Ah, too much of a fledgling to know what's important, that one. In any case... ...both in the mock trial and the actual case, Prof. Courte was wearing a sweat suit. Moving right along--

Apollo:

Apollo:
Hey, wait a sec! The body was discovered in the same area as the mock case, although there was a stage. Plus, the murder weapon, an arrow, and the lack of blood are also the same!

Klavier:
That's right. And therein lies the significance of this mock mock trial. So let's keep rockin' it hard, just like that!

Defense's argument

Klavier:
Before the crime occurred, the defendant was to meet the victim in the quad.

Athena:
Um, ahem... Let's see here... "When I arrived at our meeting place, I found the professor with an arrow in her stomach! But... it wasn't me! I didn't kill her!"

Apollo:
You don't have to ham it up like that, Athena.

Klavier:
It's called getting into character, Herr Forehead. Don't be such a wet blanket.

Apollo:
Right... Um, let's see... Oh yeah, then Hugh said... "A frail coed used her bare hands to stab her professor with an arrow? I don't think so. At the time of the murder, a male student was seen... ...holding a bow in the Archery Club room, which has a clear view of the quad. He shot the arrow into the victim before my client even got there!"

Klavier:
Nein nein, Herr Forehead. That feigned swagger does not suit you in the least.

Athena:
Order! Order!!! ORDER!!! Especially you, Mr. Justice!

Apollo:
Me?! But I was just trying to get into it like Mr. Euro Rocker said.

Prosecution's rebuttal

Athena:
So, the victim was shot from the Archery Club room before the meeting even took place. Hence, the defendant could not be the killer. That seems to be the defense's assertion. Prosecutor Gavin, do you have any objections?

Klavier:
The autopsy report notes that the edges of the victim's wound were unusually ragged. Could such physical trauma possibly result from an arrow shot from a bow? Nein! I believe the victim was impaled with the arrow by hand... postmortem. In short, the real murder weapon was not the arrow at all.

Apollo:
When Robin was prosecutor, he had a tough time determining the real murder weapon.

Klavier:
Well, he's just a student, a warm-up act, while I am the real deal, the headliner, so to speak. The true murder weapon was most likely the awl that was left in the art room.

Athena:
An awl, what's that? Er, I mean... Hmm... An awl, you say? What might that be?

Klavier:
It's a kind of tool used for poking holes in paper, wood, and other materials. It's kind of like an ice pick. I have a photo here if you're interested.

Athena:
Gross.. It's all bloody up to the handle. Please tell me it's just paint.

Klavier:
Most likely, Fräulein. Pretty realistic, ja? Let's pretend it's real blood for now. The defendant's prints were lifted from the murder weapon. Furthermore, traces of the victim's blood were discovered in the art room. That's where I believe the murder actually took place.

Athena:
So, the question now is, how did the body get from the art room to the stage?

How the body was moved

Klavier:
The murder took place in the third floor art room, but the body was found in the quad.

Athena:
It must've been quite a chore moving the body all that way.

Klavier:
Not at all. There's a maintenance area and storehouse right outside the art room. And a cart used to carry balls around was found there.

Athena:
Oh, I think I've seen one of those before. But that's a pretty big one.

Klavier:
A jumbo, ja? Big enough to fit a person -- or a body -- in it. The defendant dropped the body from the art room window, then moved it with the cart. That is how a high-school girl could easily move a body all by herself!

Athena:
Y-You don't saaaaaaaaaaay!

Apollo:

Apollo:
"A body dropped from three stories up would show signs of massive blunt force trauma!"

Klavier:

Klavier:
That may be true, but... ...you failed to account for the large high jump mat in the storehouse. A body dropped onto such a mat would show no signs of blunt force trauma.

Apollo:
Yikes... It's almost scary how similar this whole case is to he mock trial proceedings.

Klavier:
Quite the crafty killer. In an attempt to case suspicion on the Archery Club... ...they moved the body to the quad where it would be an easy shot from the clubroom. Then the killer faked the murder weapon by inserting an arrow into the awl's stab wound.

Athena:(Sounds like he has only high praise for Junie's script.)

Klavier:
Were there any further arguments from the defense?

Apollo:
Nope. It seemed like the teacher who was playing the judge was satisfied, too.

Klavier:
Time for the finale, then. Your verdict if you please, Fräulein Judge!

Athena:
Huh? Oh, right, that's me! Very well, this court finds the defendant, Juniper Woods-- Wait a second. Even if this is just a mock trial of a mock trial... ...I don't want to declare Junie guilty!

Klavier:
Yeah, perhaps that's not such a good idea. Let's end our mock mock trial here. Besides, it's about time I get back to my investigation.

Athena:
Thanks, you two! That little run-through of the mock trial cleared up quite a few things!

Klavier:
Well, like I said, I just want to catch whoever killed Prof. Courte. And there's no reason for me to start butting heads with you two. Anyway, I won't say goodbye, as I'm sure I'll be seeing you later.

Athena:
I always thought prosecutors were all a rather scary bunch. But Prosecutor Gavin seems pretty nice.

Apollo:
Yeah, he's not so bad as prosecutors go. We should get back to investigating, too. We don't have nearly enough information yet.

Athena:
And we also have to tell Mr. Wright that we accepted Junie's case.

Apollo:
Right. Looks like we have our work cut out for us!

Talk

Any ideas?

Apollo:
The most prominent feature of this case is how closely it resembles the script. That makes it a tough one because we have to have a firm understanding of them both.

Athena:
No sweat! We can reenact the mock trial as many times as we want by reading the script! I'll check it out in the Court Record and commit it to memory later!

Apollo:
Good. I bet the script and the mock trial are going to be the centerpiece of the real trial. Make sure you know them inside and out.

Athena:
Yes, sir, Mr. Justice!

Apollo:
Mr. Justice? Careful, I could get used to that.

The investigation

Athena:
Apollo, any advice on how to investigate this case?!

Apollo:
Oh, uh... Start by interviewing people about the basic facts.

Athena:
Interview people! Got it! Hey, you there! What can you tell me about the--

Apollo:
Whoa, hold on, Athena! The trial's tomorrow, so try to limit it to people with some relation to the case.

Athena:
Okay, got it! Limit the interview pool!

Apollo:
Right... You might also want to take it down a notch, otherwise you'll be dead by tomorrow.

Athena:
(He wants me to calm down?! At a time like this?! Junie's fate rests in my hands. I just HAVE TO win this one...!)

Present

Attorney's Badge

Apollo:
Oh, nice. Your attorney's badge! That's the first thing you want to present when you meet someone new. I heard that's what all lawyers do.

Athena:
Tsk, Mr. Wright didn't even hear me when I said I wanted to see it. That was so unfair. We should've done rock, paper, scissors to decide who got to watch. I know I would've totally beaten you.

Apollo:
How could you know that? The game's totally random.

Athena:
No, I can tell you favor scissors. I mean, the proof's sticking right out of your head.

Apollo:
Huh? What're you talking about?

Athena:
(Like I said, it's right there on your head!)

Anything else

Apollo:
Yes! Nice one, Athena. Keep it up! I don't care if it's totally unrelated to the case or just plain annoying or even embarrassing. Just keep presenting evidence without any regard for others! That's the first step towards becoming a successful trial lawyer!

Athena:
Leave it to me! I'll one piece after another, and then another!

Wright Anything Agency

Talk

Any ideas?

Trucy:
A school festival? Why didn't you take me with you?

Athena:
Oh, um... Only Mr. Wright was officially invited. Apollo and I are just tagging along, but we ARE lawyers, after all.

Trucy:
Well, my magic act would've made a great warm up for the mock trial. They'd have seen how even the most crucial evidence could vanish in the blink of an eye!

Athena:
(That's probably precisely why Mr. Wright didn't invite you.)

The academy

Trucy:
Athena, don't you think the Wright Anything Agency has about run its course?

Athena:
Wh-What do you mean?

Trucy:
Isn't it obvious? It's time for the Wright Anything Academy! And you, Athena, I want you to be the head of our Psychology Department.

Athena:
Oh... What other departments will we have?

Trucy:
Well, I'll be the head of the Magic Department... ...and we'll have a Chords of Steel Department and a Bluffing Department!

Athena:
(But then who'll be the head of the Toilet Cleaning Department?)

Present

Attorney's Badge

Trucy:
Hey, that's an attorney's badge!

Athena:
Promise me you won't make it disappear.

Trucy:
Ah! What a mean thing to say! Do I look like someone who'd do something like that?

Athena:
No, I didn't mean it like that. Anyway, I hear they reissue badges that get lost, so...

Trucy:
Hey, isn't that great! That means you have nothing to worry about!

Athena:
Yeah! ...But seriously, please don't make mine disappear. I wouldn't want to have to explain.

Anything else

Trucy:
Wow, thanks, Athena! That'll make a great new prop for my magic act!

Athena:
Huh? But that's--

Trucy:
So, what kind of trick should I do with it? Make it disappear? Burn it? Rip it in two?

Athena:
Ha ha ha. Let's just save that fun little detail for later.

Trucy:
Aww, you're no fun.

October 24
Themis Legal Academy - 1F Hallway

Athena:
Ah, Mr. Wright!

Phoenix:
I heard they arrested your friend Juniper.

Apollo:
Yeah, Detective Fulbright just took her in.

Means:
I refuse to believe that one of our students is capable of murder. We must prove her innocent by any means necessary! The end justifies the means!

Athena:
What do you mean, the end justifies the means?

Means:
I, Prof. Means, always say what I mean, and mean what I say by all means! Here at our esteemed academy, we train our students to produce meaningful results. You believe in Juniper's innocence, do you not?

Athena:
Of course, I do! Junie wouldn't even hurt a fly!

Means:
Precisely. We have justice on our side. The only other thing we need are results. It is the height of folly to endanger your client by failing to pursue all means possible!

Athena:
Um... sure I want to prove her innocence, but... (I don't like the sound of that "end justifies the means" part.)

Means:
Well, you are still young and idealistic. It's no wonder you fail to see the wisdom therein. There is but one thing to do now. I must personally take up Juniper's defense.

Phoenix:
You're going to take her case, Prof. Means?

Means:
I may be a professor, but I am still licensed to practice law. In fact, I have even battle Prof. Courte in... well... in court!

Apollo:
No kidding?! So you guys were rivals or something?

Means:
No, nothing of the sort. She was an esteemed colleague at the academy and in court. You see, both Prof. Courte and I graduated from this academy at the top of our class.

Athena:(Wow, I bet they both used to really bring it.)

Means:
Now, if you would excuse me, I had best go discuss the case with Juniper.

Athena:
Prof. Means, please, wait! I didn't want to say anything, but Apollo and I already agreed to take her case.

Apollo:
It's true. Juniper is counting on us to prove her innocence.

Means:
Really now? You two?

Phoenix:
And when were you planning on telling me?

Athena:
S-Sorry, Boss. I know we should've asked first, but...

Phoenix:
Ah ha ha. Relax. Your friend was just hauled away in front of your eyes. Sometimes you just have to make snap decisions. And I think you made the right one.

Means:
How wonderful! Very well, Athena Cykes, let me ask you just one thing. As as lawyer, what is it that you treasure beyond all else?

Means:
What a wonderful answer. Juniper must be overjoyed to have a friend such as you. As her professor, I too, shall do whatever I may to help her. And if you decide to take the-end-justifies-the-means strategy, come see me at once!

Athena:(Let's hope it never comes to that.)

Means:
Now, if you would excuse me.

Phoenix:
Well, time's a wasting. You better start investigating and fast. But first, how about I tell you everything I know so far?

Athena:
Yes, please!

Talk

About the murder

Athena:
Have you learned anything new about the case?

Phoenix:
Actually, I ran into Prosecutor Gavin, and he told me something interesting. Seems the murder took place in the art room. There's traces of a large pool of blood there. So the police believe the body was moved from there to the stage.

Phoenix:
Let's do our own crime scene investigation before it gets too crowded around here.

Athena:
Huh?! Are we even allowed to do that?

Phoenix:
It's no big deal, as long as we leave it exactly like we found it. Plus... No, never mind.

Athena:
(Now, where was I again?)

Phoenix:
But there's really no need to talk about it right here, right now. I want you two to find out for yourselves.

Rumor about the academy

Phoenix:
So, were you shocked by your conversation with Prof. Means?

Athena:
Oh, umm, I guess so. (Actually, that was pretty shocking.)

Phoenix:
The dark age of the law... I'm sure you've heard those words before.

Athena:
Sure, a number of times. Prosecutors file false charges and lawyers fight back by fabricating evidence. There's a lot of that going around these days.

Apollo:
But the question is, how is it related to the case at hand?

Phoenix:
Training students to produce results... That is the school's policy.

Athena:
Well, that in and of itself isn't a bad thing.

Phoenix:
Right. ...As long as those results come by fair and honest means.

Athena:
Oh, but what was it that Prof. Means said?! "The end justifies the means"?

Phoenix:
To survive the dark age of the law, you must use any means necessary. Fabrication of evidence and false charges are unavoidable in the quest for results. That's what they're preaching here at Themis Legal Academy.

Athena:
B-But... What'll happen to our legal system if results are all that matter anymore?!

Phoenix:
Ah ha ha, relax. It's just a rumor. I'd take it with a grain of salt if I were you.

Athena:
Oh, that's a relief. (He had me going there for a minute. Wait a second! What if Mr. Wright examined the victim's body for a reason! Maybe he was worried someone might actually tamper with the evidence!)

Present

Themis Herald or Mock Trial Script

Phoenix:
Things like that sure scream out "school days," don't they?

Athena:
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities like school papers or mock trials?

Phoenix:
Nah, that wasn't my thing. I was an art major.

Athena:
An art major? Then how did you become a famous attorney?

Phoenix:
It's kind of complicated. And when I say, kind of, I mean really, really complicated.

Athena:
Oh... (...He must really mean it. I'm picking up a lot of complex emotions in his voice.)

Phoenix:
I think that about wraps up what I know so far. The fact that this case closely resembles Ms. Woods's script is obviously important. Knowing that, you should probably try and identify what's the same and what's different.

Athena:
Okay! I'll try talking to as many people as I can on campus!

October 24
Themis Legal Academy - 3F Lecture Hall

Athena:
Look, there's Hugh! Hey, Huuuuugh!

O'Conner:
Oh, it's you two. Do you want something?

Apollo:
Did you find anything? You said you were going to do some investigating of your own.

O'Conner:
Nope, nothing yet. I'm afraid it's not looking very good for Juniper.

Apollo:
You don't really think Juniper could have done something like this, do you?

O'Conner:
Only the author and the victim knew the contents of the script. Both the stage and the art room were in the exact same state as described therein. Nobody could mimic the crime like that unless they'd already read the script... or... wrote it.

Athena:
B-But!

O'Conner:
Look, Prof. Means is better able to handle this than you two, so just leave it to him!

Athena:(There it is again. I'm picking up some discord in Hugh's voice.)

O'Conner:
Those around me call me a genius, but I pay them no mind. But when it comes to tests... I always get a hundred percent, so I suppose it's only natural for them to say I'm a genius. But, as I said before, I pay them no mind.

Athena:
(I heard you the first time.)

Apollo:
But what about the mock trial? It sounded like you were about to lose to Robin.

O'Conner:
Heh. There's a very good reason for that. You see, right before the mock trial started... I saw the body.

Athena:
Y-You saw the body?!

O'Conner:
Right, and I was so distraught that I basically handed Robin a victory.

Apollo:
Hugh, would you mind telling us a little more about that?

Discovering the body

O'Conner:
Right before the mock trial, the campus was empty. Everyone was here in the Lecture Hall.

Your attention please. This is an announcement from the Mock Trial Committee. The mock trial will begin shortly. All students and faculty please proceed at once to the Lecture Hall.

Athena:
(That's right... There was that announcement and the everyone came in here.)

O'Conner:
The only exceptions were the mock trial participants. Juniper, Robin, and I were in our personal dressing rooms next door.

O'Conner:
Actually, they're for student-teacher meetings. They don't even have windows. The other two waited patiently in their rooms, but that's not my style. So, I headed over to the archery range on the other side of the quad. I did some meditation while I waited. That's the best way to relax. Then, just before the mock trial was about to start, I headed back toward the main building. As I walked across the quad, I passed in front of the stage.

Athena:
So, that's when you saw the body?

O'Conner:
Right. It was quite a shock. As much as I hate to admit it, my legs were shaking. I could've easily beaten Robin if it hadn't been for that.

Apollo:
Wait, hold it right there. You went through with the mock trial even though you had just discovered a body? Why didn't you tell anyone? I mean, we're talking about someone getting killed here!

Athena:
I think I know why... Was it because of this?

O'Conner:
Ah! Where'd you get that?!

Athena:
So, this article in the Themis Herald IS true. The winner of the mock trial would get to make his confession to Junie.

O'Conner:
Right. But if I reported the body I'd found, the whole thing would be called off.

Athena:
(He really wanted to win that bad? Bad enough to ignore a dead body? Sorry, but that's not normal. ...Or could their love for Junie really be that strong?)

O'Conner:
Heh. You mouth-breathers just don't get it, do you? My badge will be a symbol of my genius. From the moment I get it... It will be chipped, bent, and worn as if it's been through a thousand courtroom battles.

Athena:
(He's like some hipster doofus.)

Arrow

O'Conner:
That's from the Archery Club. We let the school use it for the mock trial.
Never figured it would end up being used like it was.

Athena:
Of course, the real murder weapon isn't an arrow at all.

O'Conner:
I know. But the fact remains that it was used in this whole insidious plot. But a mouth-breather like you couldn't possibly understand. You see, archery is a sport that demands advanced mental focus. And the killer's actions have done harm to its image.

Athena:
I know exactly what you mean, except for that mouth-breather remark.

O'Conner:
Well, let's hope that someday you will because it couldn't be any more self-evident.

Athena:
(I like him less and less every time he opens his mouth.)

Courte's Planner

Athena:
Is it just me or is this your name here?

O'Conner:
Heh, that's my name, but how should I know what it's doing there? But being that the whole campus looks up to me... ...I'm not surprised to find my name mentioned here and there.

Athena:
(And I'm not surprised he said that, being the narcissist he is.)

Themis Herald or Themis Herald Extra

Athena:
So, you really declared that you'd confess to Junie if you won the mock trial? (Because he's definitely not the shy type.)

O'Conner:
Heh. Yeah, well, that's just the genius that is me. My thoughts and actions are on a whole other level from you mouth-breathers.

Athena:
(No, it's your vanity that's on a whole other level.)

Mock Trial Script

O'Conner:
...I get it. This is your way of mocking my defeat. You like shoving people's shame in their faces. That's your modus operandi.

Athena:
No, that wasn't my intention. Besides, you were never actually defeated.

O'Conner:
Oh, I suppose you're right. ...Or is this a trick intended to provoke me.

Athena:
That wasn't my intention, either!

O'Conner:
Then what WAS your intention?! I know! You're trying to toy with my emotions!

Athena:
(Wow, this guy can't take being humbled, old country style.)

Anything else

O'Conner:
Random junk from some mouth-breather? What makes you think I'd want to see that? Heh. The least you could do is make it more interesting, like by telling me how cool I am.

Athena:
(Who does this guy think he is?!)

Apollo:
Thanks for sharing that important piece of information with us. It may prove useful at tomorrow's trial.

Athena:
So this is the maintenance area. Let's see... During the mock mock trial, Prosecutor Gavin said... ...that the art room is right above here on the third floor... ...and that they body was dropped from there onto a high jump mat from the storehouse.

Apollo:
Right. And then he claimed that the body was transported to the stage in a ball cart. And then... Hm? There's someone else here...

Athena:
Hey, it's Robin!

Newman:
Whoooooooooa! You scared the crud outta meeeeee!!!

Athena:
Yikes! Right back at you! ...So, what are you doing out here?

Newman:
I'm working out so that I can become strong enough to save Juniper! But I'm so worked up... my training brace is almost breaking at the seams!

Athena:
Oh, right... The girl you like got arrested, so you're psyching yourself up to rescue her?

Newman:
Yes! Because! I'm the manliest of manly men! ...That's why I work out with my manly brace!

Athena:(Except that I hear some discord in that manliest of men's voice of yours...)

Apollo:
I don't mean to be rude, but can't you talk without shouting?

Newman:
Sorry! I'll try not to shout so much! If at all possible, that is!!!

Athena:(...Which is "not at all possible" by the sound of it.) Um, so do you mind if I ask you some questions as Junie's lawyer?

Newman:
No problem! Ask away! Keep 'em coming, maaaaaan!!!

Athena:(Ouch... My ears ache already.)

Talk

Robin Newman

Athena:
Robin, could you tell me a little more about yourself?

Newman:
You wanna know about meee?! I'm a second-rate member of the Fine Arts Cluuub!!!

Athena:
The Fine Arts Club?

Athena:
Looks like broken pottery or plaster. Maybe this is the source of that noise we heard.

Phoenix:
Hmm, there were supposedly two statues on this stage. I seem to recall hearing that a coed from the Fine Art Club had made them.

Klavier:
Two big banners and a pair of wicked statues. This is just an illustration, but it's not half bad.

Athena:
Wicked statues...? Wait are these supposed to be you and Mr. Wright?

Klavier:
Bingo, Fräulein. And they were so big and magnificent, too! What a terrible waste.

Athena:
Say... Did you create those stage statues by any chance?

Newman:
You bet I did! Both of 'em! Put my blood, sweat, and tears into those things, maaan!

Apollo:
It must've been terrible seeing them all smashed up like that

Newman:
Nah! I couldn't face Prof. Courte if I let something like that get me down!!!

Athena:
What do you mean?

Newman:
Prof. Courte was the Fine Arts Club advisor! She was all about truth and beauty, maaan!!! She always said, "The only good result is the truth"! That and... ..."Only lawyers who seek the truth through legitimate means produce worthwhile results"!

Athena:
Yeees! I'm totally on your guy side! She must have been an incredible woman!!!

Apollo:
Yeesh, and you call ME loud when I practive my Chords of Steel...

About the murder

Newman:
Aw, maaaaaaaaan! Why'd I have to take the prosecutor course! I mean, how am I supposed to save Juniper if I'm studying to be a prosecutor?!

Athena:
Don't worry. I'll clear Junie's name, you'll see.

Newman:
The three of us had a dream! We swore we'd make it happen TOGETHER!!! Prosecutor! Lawyer! Judge! The three of us would hold fair and honest trials! The dark age of the law? Ha! We were gonna put a nail in its coffin, maaaaaan!

Apollo:
Wow, you guys swore to do that?

Newman:
But, noooo! That stupid school rule had to ruin it!

Athena:
School rule? Which one?

Newman:
Anyone with a prior conviction, no matter how minor the offense, they won't...! They won't be allowed to graduate from this stupid, holier-than-thou schoooool!!!

Apollo:
A tough legal academy, with even tougher rules...

Athena:
(Junie will never become a judge unless I can prove her innocence. And if I fail, the three of them will never realize their dream. ...It's like someone put pressure on my pressure.)

Present

Attorney's Badge

Newman:
Whooooooa! Check out your badge!

Athena:
What do you think? Nice and shiny, huh?

Newman:
Yeah! It's AWESOME!!! If the plating ever starts to peel or it gets all bent up, lemme fix it up for you!!!

Athena:
Really?! Thanks!

Newman:
No problemo! I'll have some primo clay and glaze at the ready, just in case!!!

Athena:
(Wait, what does clay have to do with my badge?)

Themis Herald

Newman:
Ah! That paper!!!

Athena:
So, Robin, is this article true?

Newman:
The author of that article has been gunning for the three of us for some reason! It's been nothing but trashy articles like this as long as I can remember!

Athena:
Hmm... Maybe the author just wants your attention?

Newman:
No waaaaaaay, maaan! The venom in those articles is waaay beyond that!!!

Athena:
(Hmm, I wonder...)

Mock Trial Script or Themis Herald Extra

Newman:
Whoooa! Déjà vu, maaaaaan! It's like I can almost taste my near victory again! But noooooo!!! The final showdown was canceled because of that murder!

Athena:
This topic sure seems to strike a raw nerve. I hope it doesn't come between you guys.

Newman:
You kidding?! Our friendship...! It's like a diamond, only tougher!!! It's like a powder keg before a spark!!! It's like the calm before the storm!!!

Athena:
(In other words, it's under a lot of pressure and ready to blow at any moment...?)

October 24
Themis Legal Academy - Outdoor Stage

Apollo:
I thought the area was cordoned off. Hey, the police are discussing something over there.

Athena:
Ooh, I know! I'll just quietly sneak over for a listen. Here goes...

Athena:
So, the witness for the prosecution is... some weirdo in a cardboard box?

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk! This disguise is how I get my scoops! ...But you're right. It's me. So tell me everything you know for Juniper's sake!

Apollo:
W-Wait a second, Myriam. Repeat what you just said.

Scuttlebutt:
A lawyer with brains as bad as his ears. Poor Juniper! I'm taking the stand tomorrow. Tell me everything you know for Juniper's sake. Clear enough for you this time?

Apollo:
I thought so. Athena, my bracelet's reacting.

Athena:
Really?! That means...! (A lie, already? That was quick)

Perceive

Box grip

Apollo:

Apollo:
That's strange. You suddenly tightened your grip when you said, "for Juniper's sake." It's like you subconsciously tensed up because you're lying.

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk! Wh-What're you talking about?! When did I ever lie?!

Athena:
Okay, then let me ask you this... Why were you selected as a witness?

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss. That's an easy one. I'm the editor-in-chief of the Themis Herald. I know everything there is to know around campus, even the darkest of secrets.

Apollo:
Editor-in-chief, huh? Pretty impressive.

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, yeah well, it's a lonely, one-woman operation. I do it all myself, from reporting, to editing, to publishing. Still impressed? I'm a perfect storm of journalism because I bring it all to the table, sss, sss, sss, sss! ...And this is the evidence. Here! An extra edition of the Themis Herald, published to coincide with the mock trial!

Themis Herald Extra added to the Court Record.

Athena:
Thanks, Myriam. You've revealed who you truly are: As someone who's never had Junie's best interest in mind.

Scuttlebutt:
What?! Are you questioning our friendship?!

Athena:
Look, you may want answers, but... No can do, because what you're saying conflicts with this piece of evidence.

Present Themis Herald

Athena:

Scuttlebutt:
That's the Themis Herald, the paper I publish. What about it?

Athena:
...Are you really that dense? This article is full of malicious lies about Junie! It's definitely not something a true friend of hers would write!

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk! Y-You got it all wrong! Another staff member wrote that one!

Athena:
I don't think so, Myriam. You even said it yourself just a moment ago. "It's a one-woman operation." Or did you forget already?

Scuttlebutt:
Kaaahk kahk-kahk-kahk! If you'd just give me the info you have--! Stupid pawn! Juniper's just using you!

Present anything else

Athena:

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss! You just gave me an idea for an extra addition headline! Extra, Extra! "Juniper Woods Headed for Conviction? Scatterbrained Attorney to Blame."

Athena:
Dirty little secret...? All right, what are you planning to say in court, huh?

Scuttlebutt:
I'm a witness to her part in the crime. I'm going to tell it all in a shocking exposé! The end justifies the means. That's my brand of tell-all journalism!

Athena:
(The end justifies the means? Wait a second!)

"End justifies the means"

Scuttlebutt:
In this dark age of the law, many of us embrace Prof. Means's methods, even future judges. I've even adopted an end-justifies-the-means brand of journalism, which includes... ...tape recorders secretly hidden all over our campus... ...secretly recording every last word without anyone being any the wiser!

Athena:
(Doesn't she realize that's totally illegal?!)

Scuttlebutt:
And one of them was at the scene of the crime -- the art room!

Athena:
(Am I to understand that the contents run the entire spectrum of fecal matter as well...?)

Mock Trial Script

Scuttlebutt:
My script was way more popular than Juniper's.

Athena:
Really? Wow, was that the majority opinion?

Scuttlebutt:
Yep. My behind-the-scenes maneuvers, threats, and deceptions worked like a charm.

Athena:
Myriam, this may come as a surprise to you, but that's called "cheating."

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss. Says you. I didn't break the law. Besides, the end justifies the means. That's what they teach us here.

Apollo:
Apparently, some people are already thriving in the dark age of the law.

Anything else

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss! If you wanna give me a present, slip it through a hole in my box. Or if it's too big, you can open the top and gimme it that way! So, which way is it gonna be? Sss, sss, sss!

Athena:
(Either way creeps me out.)

Athena:
Ugh. We're going to have cross-examine [sic] her tomorrow, but I don't know where to start.

Apollo:
Well, let's at least take care of whatever we can today.

Athena:
You're right. Let's see what else we can find out!

After talking to O'Conner, Newman, and Scuttlebutt:

Athena:
Well, I think I've talked to everyone who is somehow linked to the case.

Apollo:
Okay, maybe it's about time we wrapped up our investigation.

Athena:
...Oh, wait. We haven't met with Junie yet.

Apollo:
Yeah, you're right.

Athena:
Let's head over to the detention center.

October 24
Detention Center - Visitor's Room

Woods:
Th-Thena. Thank you so much for coming.

Athena:(She called me "Thena," like she used to. Maybe she's finally letting her guard down.)

Woods:
We wanted to make it fair, so the script was kept secret until the day of the mock trial. And the only people who knew the details were Prof. Courte and I.

Athena:
(Hmm... Nothing we haven't heard already so far.)

Woods:
However...

Athena:
Yes?! What is it, Junie?

Woods:
Well, there was this one article in the school paper.

Apollo:
You mean this one? It's more like a tabloid piece than a newspaper article, if you ask me.

Woods:
I've... been worried that the trial would wreck the friendship between Robin, Hugh, and me.

Athena:
(She wants to stay friends, but both of the guys are hoping to take it to the next level. Oh, the passion of high school drama...! Wish I could've experienced it...)

Woods:
And I know I shouldn't have, but... I revised the script to favor the prosecution. But Prof. Courte noticed it immediately and changed it back.

Athena:
(Ahh, so if Robin had won, Hugh wouldn't have been able to confess his love to Junie. That would've kept the trio's relationship the same. Never knew Junie could be so devious.)

Woods:
Sorry. I guess my personal problems won't be of any help in court, huh?

Apollo:
You never know. Help often comes from the most unexpected places. Thanks, Juniper.

The awl

Athena:
I was wondering about that awl you had on you when you were arrested.

Policeman:
Detective Fulbright! We found this in the suspect's pocket!

Fulbright:
Hm? Wh-Why there's...! There's blood on this!

Woods:
Th-That's evidence we made for the mock trial!

Fulbright:
A mock... trial? Never heard of such a thing, but it sounds fishy to me! Real fishy!

Woods:
It was the murder weapon from the mock trial. Prof. Courte and I were prepping it in the art room until the day before the trial. I didn't even realize I still had it on me until I was arrested.

Apollo:
Then we've nothing to worry about. There shouldn't be any way to link it to the crime.

Woods:
Still, that blood-red color on the awl bothers me.

Athena:
Wasn't it just paint or something? I mean, I was looking at it from pretty far away, but...

Woods:
It probably was just paint, but that's what bothers me. It wasn't on the awl when we were prepping it yesterday.

Apollo:
It wasn't? Then how and when did it get there?

Woods:
Well, before the mock trial began, I showed Thena and Mr. Wright to the waiting room... ...then I went back to my dressing room to get the trial props we were going to use. That's when I found the art room key and the awl with what looked like blood on it.

Athena:
A key... and the awl?

Woods:
Prof. Courte normally has the art room key since she's the Fine Arts Club's advisor. And since that key was there in the dressing room... ...I thought she was the one who had painted the awl to look like it had blood on it. After all, she always insisted that the props should be realistic, so...

Athena:
The awl suddenly shows up on the day of the trial with what looks like blood on it? I have a really bad feeling about this.

Apollo:
Me, too. But let's not jump the gun on this.

Mock trial prep work

Athena:
You and Prof. Courte were busy preparing for the mock trial together yesterday, right? Was that the last time you saw her?

Woods:
...Yes. I left school at around 6:00 PM.

Apollo:
Did you notice anything different about her?

Woods:
No, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. She looked and acted the same as always. I would've never guessed she'd end up like this.

Present

Stage Costume

Woods:
Um... I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't go around showing that to everyone.

Athena:
How come? I mean, it's so well made. Aren't you going to wear it when you sing?

Woods:
*sigh*... Yes, unfortunately, I've been chosed to sing. But I don't think I'm up to the task.

Athena:
...Reminds me of the old Junie when you talk like that. Makes me want to protect you.

Woods:
I can't let you do that. After all, I'm Student Council President! It's my job to look after our entire student body.

Athena:
So what if you took that can-do spirit and applied it to your singing?

Woods:
*sigh*... But we're talking about me singing in front of a huge crowd.

Athena:
(Maybe she is in over her head.)

Mock Trial Script or Themis Herald Extra

Woods:
I wish the mock trial had ended better than it did...

Athena:
Yeah, but to have three good friends all play leading roles? It's pretty amazing if you think about it.

Woods:
That's true. And it's thanks to the strength of our friendship. There's nothing we can't do if we help and support each other.

Athena:
I don't know... Is that really the issue here? (But whenever I bring it up...)

Woods:
Yes, that's what it's all about! The friendship between the three of us is absolute!

Apollo:
Athena, it's obvious that they're friends, so let's leave it at that.

Athena:
Yes, I know that, but... (Her words seem kind of forced.)

Woods:
It looks like we're about out of time. Thank you for coming to see me.

Athena:
We'll do everything we can to prove you innocent tomorrow.

Woods:
I know. And I believe in you, Thena. Well, I should go now. Bye.

Apollo:
Is she gonna be all right? She's like a shadow of the girl we met back at the academy.

Athena:
The Junie I knew was always like that -- a little weak and sickly. But the fact that she's lifted her façade shows that she trusts us. Even still...

Apollo:
What is it?

Athena:
Well, when Junie and her two friends were talking about their friendship... ...I sensed some discord in their hearts.

Apollo:
Seriously?

Athena:
Yeah, but it was really faint. I might've been mistaken. (There's no reason to doubt their friendship... is there?)

Apollo:
Don't worry, everything will be fine! You and Juniper are friends, right? You know that friend I mentioned to you earlier? Well, get this. Whenever something's troubling one of us, the other can just feel it. That's real friendship.

Athena:
I suppose you're right... Might as well forget about that and concentrate on the trial!

Apollo:
Yup! Tomorrow's the big day. Let's sort out what we know so far.

Athena:
Okay! The victim Constance Courte was murdered in the art room on the third floor. Then, her body was moved to the outdoor stage in the quad. Also, the location where we found the body was just as the mock trial script described.

Apollo:
I wish those were the only similarities they shared.

Athena:
What do you mean?

Apollo:
What I mean is the script and this case are exactly the same in almost every respect. So it follows that the actual trial may very well unfold just like the mock trial did!

Athena:
Oh, no! (The mock trial ended right before the prosecution was about to win! Well, that's not gonna happen! This time, Junie WILL be declared "not guilty"! Of course, I intend to get our results the honest way. We can do this! We'll be fine! After all, I have Apollo and he's the king of being fine.)

To Be Continued

October 25, 9:47 AM
District Court - Defendant Lobby No. 3

Athena:(Ugh. My butterflies have butterflies in their stomach.)

Apollo:
So, what's it like to have your very own case for the first time?

Athena:
My heart hasn't raced this fast since I ran that full marathon last year.

Apollo:
If it keeps up, you might get a lawyer's high -- you know like a runner's high?

Phoenix:
Relax, everyone's nervous their first time.

Means:
So my fears weren't unfounded. After all, today's prosecutor is so terribly brutal... ...and willing to use any means necessary to win a conviction.

Athena:(There's that the-end-justifies-the-means concept again.)

Means:
Now that it has come to this... ...we have no choice but to fight fire with fire. The end justifies the means.

Judge:
All right, Detective Fulbright. Would you please explain the case to the court?

Fulbright:
Prof. Courte's body was discovered on October 24th at approximately 2:30 PM. She was murdered with this awl I have here! The victim's blood and the defendant's prints were both discovered on it!

Awl added to the Court Record.

Athena:
EEEK!

Courte's Autopsy Report added to the Court Record.

Apollo:
Wow, that bird can deliver evidence, too? Blackquill has trained him well.

Athena:
Maybe Blackquill should train it not to mess up people's hair while he's at it.

Fulbright:
Moving right along! The body was discovered on the outdoor stage, although no blood was found there! However, we detected traces of a massive amount of blood in the third floor art room. In short, the murder took place in the art room!

Judge:
So, the body had been moved from the art room to the stage?

Fulbright:
Precisely! And there is one more piece of irrefutable evidence! A recording made by a tape recorder that a school paper reporter hid in the art room! It captured a female voice screaming, "You're a goner!"

Judge:
What's this?! You have such a recording?!

Apollo:
Must be from that tape recorder Myriam mentioned.

Athena:(But why is this the first we've heard of a death threat at the moment of the murder?)

Fulbright:
Shhhhhh! Silence, please! I would like to play the tape for you now.

.................................... ...You're a goner!

Judge:
Hmm... It is quite hard to hear.

Athena:(But the voice does sound female...)

Tape Recorder added to the Court Record.

Fulbright:
The noise and low volume of the voice have made voiceprint analysis all but impossible.

Judge:
Then, you haven't identified the voice as belonging to the defendant.

Fulbright:
Not so fast. After all, voiceprint analysis isn't everything! The victim was killed at night, then discovered in the afternoon the next day. The question is... when was the body moved!

Judge:
............Oh, oh! I know! It could've been moved in the middle of the night when no one was around!

Fulbright:
Sorry, but no! The campus was full of students that morning. However, no one reported seeing a body. That means the body was moved sometime before the mock trial when all the students... ...and faculty were gathered in the Lecture Hall and the rest of the campus was empty! It was during this time Hugh O'Conner, one of the mock trial participants, found the body.

Athena:(So the prosecution heard about Hugh seeing the body...)

Judge:
Wait a moment. If all of the students and faculty were gathered in the Lecture Hall... ...then there wouldn't have been anyone who could've moved the body!

Fulbright:
Ha ha ha! Have no fear, for there is always an exception.

Judge:
An exception?

Fulbright:
The three mock trial participants were standing by in individual dressing rooms. They were the only ones who had free access to the deserted campus before the mock trial.

Judge:
What?! Then that would mean...! ...What would that mean?

Fulbright:
Those three students were the only ones who could've moved the body! In justice we trust!

Apollo:
I don't like where this is headed, Athena.

Athena:
Me neither...

Fulbright:
And by those three, I mean... ...Hugh O'Conner, Robin Newman, and Juniper Woods.

Athena:
I knew it... (Please, Detective Fulbright... Don't say what I think you're about to say...)

Fulbright:
In justice we trust! I take it EVERYONE understands now! The voice believed to be that of the murderer was female! And out of the three people who could've moved the body, just one is a girl. That leaves the defendant Juniper Woods as the only possibility!

Athena:
Noooooooooooooooo!

Apollo:
Impressive. He has you on the ropes even before any cross-examinations.

Athena:(You could at least pretend to be upset for me.)

Blackquill:
A splendid job, Fool Bright. That could not be any clearer. Feel free to anticipate a salary raise next month.

Fulbright:
Ha ha ha ha! I don't do this for the money. It's all about justice! In justice we trust!

Blackquill:
Hmph. Not only a halfwit, but a perennial stick-in-the-mud you are.

Athena:(I guess neither the carrot nor the stick works on Detective Fulbright.)

Scuttlebutt:
The murder happened exactly like Juniper's mock trial script.
Up until the mock trial began, only Prof. Courte and Juniper knew the script's contents.
But Prof. Courte's sudden decision not to use the script sparked Juniper's murderous rage.
Juniper has to be the killer. She has a motive and the murder is just like her script.

Judge:
The murder is just like her script?! Could such a thing be true?!

Scuttlebutt:
Compare her script with the murder case and crime scene photos. Then you'll see!

Blackquill:
This is so simple, even an ape posing as a decrepit old judge could understand. Only the victim and the defendant were privy to the script. Ergo, the defendant is the killer. Furthermore, in the art room where the crime supposedly occurred, this witness's script... ...along with an envelope on which "Use" was written were found. This proves that the accused's script had been rejected the day before the mock trial. She pressed the victim to use her script, an argument ensued, and then the fatal stabbing.

Athena:
*gulp* (That makes perfect sense. What now?!)

Apollo:
Prosecutor Blackquill has all his ducks lined up in a row. He's really on a roll now.

Athena:
Ugh. He's like a pit bull once it sinks its teeth into you.

Scuttlebutt:
How dare she! My script had it all! A bum rap and phony evidence! Grudges and betrayals!

Judge:
Hmm... I trust the defense is ready to cross-examine the witness?

Athena:
N-No problem! I-I mean, yes I'm ready... I think... (Time to find a hole in her testimony, and unbox the truth! I've seen it done over and over. I know I can do this!)

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk! Don't sweat the details! That kind of stress will give you wrinkles!

Athena:

Athena:
I'm not worried. My skin is as fair as silk.

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
...Hmph. Indeed, you are quite fair -- fairly desperate!

Athena:

Athena:
Wh-What did you just say?!

Apollo:
Ha ha ha. Blackquill really turned that one around on you.

Athena:
Tsk, whose side are you on?! Hurry up and think of a clever comeback!

Apollo:
Whoa, easy there, Athena.

Blackquill:
Now you listen to me. The two cases do, indeed, have their differences. For one, the stage hadn't yet been erected in the mock trial script. And in the actual case, there were signs indicating the victim's wrists had been bound. But such differences pale in comparison to the host of similarities. In any event, replicating the crime without knowledge of the script is an impossibility.

Athena:
Hmmm... (Looks like I won't be passing this off as a coincidence.)

Athena:
How do you know that Professor Courte wasn't going to use her script?

Blackquill:
Hmph. There in the art room where the heinous crime took place... ...an envelope marked "Use" and Myriam Scuttlebutt's script were found. Evidently, the script that was going to be used belonged to the girl in the box over there.

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss! It's only natural that my script would be accepted and hers rejected. I introduced all sorts of brand-new concepts, including bribery and fake evidence! It was a cutting-edge script portraying a courtroom battle in the dark age of the law!

Athena:
(I can't help but feel Prof. Courte went out of her way NOT to use it.)

Scuttlebutt:
But Juniper... She used some devious, underhanded tactics to get her script chosen. That's why her script, and not my masterpiece, was used in the mock trial! How's that for an explanation?

Scuttlebutt:Juniper has to be the killer. She has a motive and the murder is just like her script.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
Anyone who saw the mock trial could have recreated the crime! After they saw the mock trial, they could've easily staged the body just like the script.

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
.........Hmph. Weary is the trial which pits hawk against canary.

Athena:

Athena:
Wh-Wh-What did you just say?!

Apollo:
Ha ha ha. If he's so weary, he should try hmph-ing less. I bet that'd save some energy.

Athena:
This is no time for jokes, Apollo! He just called me a canary!

Apollo:
Don't let him get to you. At least canaries pick up on things quickly, just like you.

Blackquill:
I shan't repeat myself, so listen carefully, Cykes-dono. Hugh O'Conner discovered the body before the mock trial even began. How could one stage the body as it is in the script before anyone knew its contents?

Athena:
Gah... That's right...

Blackquill:
Do you even fathom the intricacies that go into staging a crime scene? No, I think not. You have the rudimentary mind of an elementary school child.

Judge:
How marvelous! A photo in the newspaper is just the thing to boost your brand.

Athena:
(In a school paper? Seriously?)

Athena:(Anyone can see the similarities between the script and this case. But that doesn't mean Junie's the killer!)

Apollo:
I know it's frustrating, Athena, but we don't have much to go on at this point. All you can do is relentlessly press the witness and hope you find a hole.

Athena:
Okay, got it! (Press relentlessly! Right!)

After pressing first and fourth statements:

Judge:
I believe you've pressed the witness more than enough, Ms. Cykes.

Blackquill:
Hmph. Now do you see how clear-cut my case is? Take it now, and in that fair, desperate mind of yours... ...etch it deep so you may never forget!

Athena:
N-No... Nooooooooooooooo! (Even my arguments get thrown back in my face. It wasn't supposed to be like this. What am I going to do?)

Apollo:
...Athena. You should just about have all the answers you've been looking for now.

Athena:
Huh?

Apollo:
Think about it this way: If the killer knew the details of the mock trial... ...would they really commit the crime in the exact same way?

Athena:
I don't follow.

Apollo:
Try to place yourself in the killer's shoes. I bet you'll discover an inconsistency if you do.

Athena:
.........Ah! I get it! Thanks, Apollo! Ms. Scuttlebutt! Just so we're clear, you're claiming... ...that the killer INTENTIONALLY made the crime scene just as it was in the script... ...and that it is beyond the shadow of a doubt NOT a coincidence. Is that correct?

Scuttlebutt:
No duh! After all, it's just more evidence of Juniper's evil she-devil ways.

Athena:

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk! Wh-What'd I say, what'd I say?!

Athena:
Our client made the crime scene look just like the script, something known only to her? That would be not just foolhardy, but completely irrational!

Scuttlebutt:
Wh-What do you mean?

Judge:
Yes, Ms. Cykes. Please tell this court what you mean by "irrational."

Athena:(It wouldn't make any sense for Junie to mimic her own script on purpose because it would...)

Mean leaking the script

Athena:
Intentionally making the crime scene look like the script... ...would expose the secret script for all to see!

Scuttlebutt:
So?! Juniper's a ruthless she-devil! She'd easily do that and a lot more to achieve her evil designs!

Judge:
Hmm... Does the defense care to offer a counter-argument?

Athena:
No, I'm good. Moving right along...

Judge:
Just one moment. Here in court, we have a special gift for intentionally evasive lawyers.

Leads back to:
"(It wouldn't make any sense for Junie to mimic her own script on purpose because it would...)"

Make her the culprit

Leads to:
"The murder scene was the same as it was in the mock trial script."

Not be possible

Athena:
Here's the thing. The mock trial details were kept secret. In short, there was no way our client could've known what was in the script!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Hmph. Have you forgotten who penned the script?

Athena:
Of course I didn't forget! Our client wrote--! Er... whoops.

Judge:
To say that the script's own author didn't know the details is quite a stretch, Ms. Cykes.

Athena:
Eeeeeek! (Ugh. I think I need to find an explanation that actually makes sense.)

Leads back to:
"(It wouldn't make any sense for Junie to mimic her own script on purpose because it would...)"

Athena:
The murder scene was the same as it was in the mock trial script. That in and of itself is irrational!

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk-kahk! What's wrong with them being the same?!

Judge:
Yes, Ms. Cykes. Care to explain what you mean?

Athena:
Okay, let's say for argument's sake, that Ms. Woods is the killer. If so, then... ...what reason would she have to intentionally make the actual murder mimic her own script?

Scuttlebutt:
That's easy! She was admitting that she was the-- Ah!

Athena:
That's right. If she had really done that... ...it would've been like proclaiming to the world that she was the killer! So, what we ACTUALLY have here is evidence of someone trying to frame our client!

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk... Kaaahk kahk-kahk!

Athena:
The body was found on the day of the mock trial, in short, the day the details were revealed. So it would be completely inconceivable for the murder to go exactly like the script!

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk-kahk! Don't let it go to your head just yet!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
...Hmph. It would seem Justice-done's comrade in arms has finally drawn her sword. However, the blade is dull, and it shall remain so until you master its use.

Athena:
E-Enough with the stupid sword metaphors, already!

Blackquill:
There is a perfectly good reason for the inconsistency of which you speak.

Athena:
R-Reason? What reason?

Blackquill:
Must I spell out everything? Hmph, you are what people today call "high maintenance." The accused had intended to stop the mock trial. And in that event... ...nary a soul would have been the wiser to the similarities of the case and script.

Athena:

Athena:
No! The mock trial was only stopped after the body was accidently [sic] discovered!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Hmph. Our witness here had also discovered the body. In fact, she was led to our dearly departed professor by the accused herself.

Athena:
Wh-What?! Ms. Scuttlebutt saw the body, too?!

Blackquill:
Precisely. And with the discovery of the body, the mock trial ought to have been canceled.

Athena:
Wait, so you didn't call the police?!

Scuttlebutt:
Nope! I kept it secret for my big scoop!

Athena:
Y-You can't do that!

Blackquill:
Hmph. I made her pay long and hard penance for her sin. Did I not, my little box top?

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk-kahk! Compared to the work of a war correspondent, the sheer terror of that was-- Aaaaaaaaagh!

Apollo:
Jeez, I wonder what the Twisted Samurai did to her.

Athena:
...Block off all the holes in her box... ...and spin her like a top while Detective Fulbright cackled in delight?

Scuttlebutt:
I snuck into Juniper's dressing room while everyone was in the Lecture Hall.
Juniper had changed into her stage costume. I asked her, "What are you doing?"
When suddenly, she fled into the hallway, as if she wanted me to follow her.
I followed her all the way to Prof. Courte's body! She led me right to it!
I'm positive it was Juniper because she was wearing the costume that she had made!

Athena:

Athena:
Why did you withhold such key testimony?!

Scuttlebutt:
Kaaahk! Wh-What's that supposed to mean?!

Apollo:
A-Athena! You haven't even started your cross-examination.

Athena:
I know, but her testimony points to her as being a potential suspect!

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss. It's a shocking scoop I was saving for just the right moment. And that would be now, right here in court. Surprise! Sss, sss, sss, sss, sss. Kaaaaaaaaaaaahk! What'd I do, what'd I do?! All journalists keep their scoops secret until the right moment!

Apollo:
She's pretty brave hiding it from Blackquill like that.

Athena:
Or pretty stupid. ...Well, this is an unexpected turn.

Apollo:
...Um, Athena? About this picture... See how it only shows the back of the subject?

Athena:
Ah! So, then...!

Apollo:
Right, who knows whether this photo Juniper in the first place!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Hmph. A completely irrelevant point. What IS relevant here is... ...there was someone who did try to lead the witness to the body. Take a gander at this -- the route by which the accused escaped. The witness pursued the accused this way, after she fled the dressing room. The accused descended to the first floor and exited to the quad. Then what, Carton Cretin?

Scuttlebutt:
Then I... tripped and fell. Caught my knee on my own box.

Athena:
(She stayed under the box, even while running after someone? Sounds difficult...)

Blackquill:
Recall that the body was already there, for Hugh O'Conner had already seen it. She was trying to show someone the body because she wanted to stop the mock trial!

Athena:
Hrgh!

Apollo:

Apollo:
But if the facts have changed, that's all the more reason to cross-examine the witness!

Judge:
Hmm... The defense has a point there. Very well, you may proceed with your cross-examination.

Blackquill:
Tell another lie or hide another fact from me... ...and I shall put it to the torch!

Scuttlebutt:
Kahk... Kaaaaaahk! P-P-Please, anything but that!

Judge:
I think it would be more eco-friendly to recycle it, but that's just me. All right, Ms. Cykes. You may cross-examine the witness.

Cross-Examination

-- What Scuttlebutt Saw --

Scuttlebutt:I snuck into Juniper's dressing room while everyone was in the Lecture Hall.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
You said you snuck in, but why would you do something like that?!

Scuttlebutt:
Because if I got a big scoop on Juniper, club membership would go through the roof! Right now, the Newspaper Club only has one member, me. The club's history once I'm gone. So, the Themis Herald's brand recognition is a matter of life and death!

Apollo:
Her means may be questionable, but her motive is surprisingly sound.

Scuttlebutt:
Extra, extra! "Students seeking the Thrills and Chills of Exposé Journalism, Report to the Clubroom!" This has been a paid advertisement. Anyway, where was I...?

Athena:
(Huh. Never took Myriam for such a go-getter.)

Scuttlebutt:Juniper had changed into her stage costume. I asked her, "What are you doing?"

Press

Athena:

Athena:
Why would she change into that costume? The mock trial was about to begin.

Scuttlebutt:
How should I know? But if you don't believe me, take a look at this photo! I captured this critical moment like the gonzo journalistic pro that I am.

Athena:
But, this only shows the back of whoever was fleeing.

Scuttlebutt:
You expect me to shoot her face when she's running away from me?

Scuttlebutt:I followed her all the way to Prof. Courte's body! She led me right to it!

Press

Athena:

Athena:
What would our client have to gain from leading you there?

Blackquill:
The accused had employed her self-penned script as a manual for murder. Ergo, she had to stop the mock trial before the script's details became public. And that accounts for her desperate attempt to lead our carton cretin here to the body.

Athena:

Athena:
But, as we all know, Ms. Scuttlebutt didn't alert the authorities. And as a result, the mock trial began as scheduled!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
The issue here is not whether it was, in fact, halted. The fact remains that the accused was trying to lead the witness to the body. Does that not show clear intent to halt the mock trial?

Athena:
Arrrgh!

Scuttlebutt:I'm positive it was Juniper because she was wearing the costume that she had made!

Press

Athena:

Athena:
You say it was our client because the figure you witnessed was wearing her costume. Isn't that a bit simplistic?

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss! It's only as simple and clear-cut as a good piece of journalism should be!

Leads to:
"Ms. Scuttlebutt's sole basis for identifying our client as the figure in this photo..."

Athena:
She keeps saying that it was Junie, but she didn't even actually see the body.

Apollo:
Yeah, but Blackquill's assertion takes that into account.

Athena:
So, even if I press her on never seeing the body... ...I won't be able to overturn this testimony.

Apollo:
Well, whoever it was that was fleeing, Myriam never did see their face. So, I'm wondering why she thought it was Juniper. Try thinking along that line and see what you can come up with.

Athena:
Ms. Scuttlebutt's sole basis for identifying our client as the figure in this photo... ...is the fact that it shows someone in Ms. Woods's stage costume.

Scuttlebutt:
Sss, sss, sss. Well, it IS Juniper's costume. So that must be Juniper in it. It's clear-cut.

Athena:
No, that's where you're completely mistaken!

Scuttlebutt:
Whaaat?!

Athena:
This is a design drawing of our client's stage costume.

Judge:
Oh, my, what a wonderful creation! The constellations are extraordinary.

Athena:
I'm glad you noticed, because those stars are precisely what's important here. In the drawing, there are constellations all over the outside of the costume. But there's not a single star on the costume in the photo!

Judge:
O-Oh, then that means... Uh... What exactly?

Athena:
Your Honor, there were no other blue costumes at the scene. Which leads me to believe... ...that the figure in the photo was wearing our client's costume inside out.

Judge:
Hmm... But why would Ms. Woods make a mistake like that?

Athena:
Well, it's not really a matter of why... ...but rather, who made the mistake of putting it on inside out.

Woods:
My design drawing shows twinkling stars on the costume. *cough* *cough* I was going to make the costume shimmer like that by painting the inside fluorescent.

Judge:
Fluor... what was that again? Fluoride? Did your costume have cavities?

Woods:
Not fluoride -- fluorescent, as in glowing. The paint would make it glow in the dark. *cough*

Blackquill:
Yes, yes, so you applied that to the inside of the costume. And then?

Woods:
I let it dry for a while because I heard it takes a long time. So I put the costume on my mannequin inside out.

Athena:
Inside out...? So, then...

Blackquill:
This is a photograph of the inside-out costume taken in the dark. As you can see, there is a heavy layer of paint over the entire inside surface. If someone were to properly don this costume in this state... ...the wet paint would get all over their body.

Judge:
...Why, yes! I believe it would!

Blackquill:
Indeed. Ergo, the costume was worn the way it was, not by anyone's mistake... ...but because this was the way it was on the mannequin -- inside out!

Athena:
Gah!

Glowing Costume Photo added to the Court Record.

Apollo:
Figures he would have a photo.

Athena:
Ugh. Did we just fall into his trap?

Apollo:
Yeah, I bet Blackquill had it all planned out. Still, I think you should give this photo a nice, long look.

Athena:
Oh, please tell me you found something that doesn't add up.

Apollo:
Check out the chest area. It kinda looks like a hand print to me.

Athena:
Hey, you're right! But Junie would know better than to touch it while the paint was still wet.

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
I believe the term to describe your thought process is wishful thinking. After all, if master painters make mistakes, why not a rank amateur such as the accused?

Athena:

Athena:
So basically... you're saying, my claim requires evidence to back it up?

Apollo:
Evidence? That shouldn't be a problem, right? After all, you've come this far.

Athena:
What did you expect me to do?! I'm sick of losing to this guy! But you're right... There's only one thing left to do at this point! And that's to present some evidence! Pronto!

Blackquill:
............A showdown, is it? I gladly accept!

Athena:(The fluorescent paint must have stuck to the hands of whoever touched the costume. And that paint should glow in dark places... So, I just need to carefully check every last piece of evidence!)This piece of evidence shows who touched the costume!

Present Themis Herald Extra

Athena:

Leads to:
"A school newspaper?"

Present anything else

Athena:

Blackquill:
.........

Judge:
It seems Prosecutor Blackquill is not too pleased with your off-target evidence.

Leads back to:
"(The fluorescent paint must have stuck to the hands of whoever touched the costume.)"

Judge:
A school newspaper?

Blackquill:
...Interesting.

Athena:
Take a look at the photo where the lights are dimmed and the spotlight is on Ms. Woods. Observe Mr. Newman's hand in that photo as he stands at the prosecutor's bench. As you can see, it's glowing, just like Ms. Woods's fluorescent paint.

Judge:
Hmm... It is glowing -- quite brightly I might add.

Athena:
But why would he put fluorescent paint on his hand for the mock trial, you may ask? The answer is he wouldn't -- not on purpose. It got there when he put the costume on.

Judge:
Oh...? I mean, oh! That means...! ......What again?

Athena:
It means the figure photographed in the costume was not our client Juniper Woods. It was her classmate, Robin Newman!

Judge:
WHAAAAAAAAAT?!

Apollo:
...To think you were actually able to prove that...

Athena:
Well, you never know what's going to happen next. That's the thrill of the courtroom!

Judge:
You may proceed with your testimony, Mr. Newman. Specifically, the court wishes to hear why you had fluorescent paint on your hand.

Witness Testimony

-- Why I Touched the Costume --

Newman:
I went to see Juniper in her dressing room! BUT SHE WASN'T THERE!
When I walked by that frilly costume, I was like, whoaaaaaa!!!
the mannequin it was on! IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL ON ME!!!
I got that paint on me when I caught it!
But I never put it on! That's just STUUUPID!!!

Athena:

Athena:
Your Honor! I recommend a short therapy session for the witness.

Judge:
Well, Mr. Newman does seem particularly agitated, but...

Newman:
Agh! ...Arrrgh! Aaaaaaaaagh! Nooooooooooooooo!

Apollo:
Not again. What's his problem?

Athena:
I sensed it the moment Robin took the stand. ...The discord in his heart!

Apollo:
So, you think he might be hiding something?

Athena:
Probably! You ready, Mr. Newman? Let's see what the Mood Matrix can do for you!

Newman:I went to see Juniper in her waiting room!

BUT SHE WASN'T THERE!

When I walked by that frilly costume, I was like, whoaaaaaa!

Pinpoint Happiness

Athena:

Leads to:
"When you mentioned the stage costume..."

The mannequin it was on! IT WAS ABOUT TO FALL OVER!!!

I got the paint on me when I caught it!

I never put it on! That's just STUUUPID!

Athena:
He had to catch the mannequin as it suddenly started to fall over?

Apollo:
Even I can guess this one. The most natural response would be surprise.

Athena:(Apollo's right, so maybe I should try focusing on some other emotion.)

Athena:
When you mentioned the stage costume... ...I sensed a sudden, powerful feeling of joy. Would you care to explain, Mr. Newman?

Newman:
W-W-Wait?! WHAAAAAAT?! Wh-Why would a frilly scarf-thing and a long skirt make me feel like that?!

Athena:
I don't know, but you seem awfully interested in that costume for some reason. You didn't happen to put it on, did you?

Newman:
L-Like I'd be into that kinda thing! I'm a dude! I'm into braces, not dresses!

Apollo:
You don't think... Robin likes girls' clothes... do you?

Athena:
Oh, come on! Isn't it obvious?!

Apollo:
...You're enjoying this a bit too much, Athena.

Newman:
NO WAY, MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! The mannequin came falling toward me, so I stuck out my hands to stop it! End of story!!!

Athena:
That's a new piece of information! Time to run an update! (Hmm... Even after that update, something just doesn't feel right here. Do I have anything that could prove his statement contradicts what really happened?)

Present Glowing Costume Photo

Athena:

Leads to:
"You said the mannequin came falling toward you, so you stuck your hands out to stop it."

Present anything else

Athena:

Athena:
This piece of evidence clearly shows the contradiction in your statement!

Newman:
No way, maaaaaan! The only contradiction that thing shows... ...is your existeeeeeeeeeeeeence!!!

Athena:
Ugh! (I-I object to that statement! Okay, so... Maybe I should compare when he caught the mannequin against the evidence.)

Leads back to:
"(Do I have anything that could prove his statement contradicts what really happened?)"

Athena:
You said the mannequin came falling toward you, so you stuck your hands out to stop it. If so, then then fingers of your hands would've been pointing outward like this. But that's not what the handprints show. In fact, this looks more like just your thumbs and the base of your palms.

Newman:
Wh-Why in the world would I leave such weird handprints?

Athena:
You know why! You left them when you went to adjust the scarf after putting it on. Just like the model in the drawing!

Newman:
WHOOOOOOA!

Athena:
Why don't you admit it, Mr. Newman? You DID put the stage costume on, didn't you? And you really DO like frilly clothes, don't you?

Newman:
Fine! I admit to putting the costume on! BUUUUUUT! I DON'T LIKE GIRLY CLOTHES, MAAAN!!!

NOISE LEVEL90%

Athena:
Yes! New information to plug in! Time for another update!

Newman:I snuck in, knowing the costume was in there!

My heart was pounding, even though I'm a guy.

Then I saw it! It was even more amazing than I'd imagined!

I was like, WHOAAA! I'm a guy, but I got all excited!

Pinpoint Sadness

Athena:

Leads to:
"There! Another emotion that doesn't fit."

It's true! I did put on girly clothes!

But it was strictly for artistic purposes!

Athena:
Hopefully, we can figure out what Robin's hiding based on this new information.

Apollo:
Just hope it's not more than we bargained for, although that usually seems to be the case.

Athena:
There! Another emotion that doesn't fit.

Newman:
So what?! You're really starting to get on my nervesm maaaaaan!

Athena:
Mr. Newman, you got excited when you put the costume on... ...but you also felt sad.

Athena:
Wow! That's a whole lot of anger and raw emotion right there! His heart is crying out in pain -- his emotions are out of control!

Apollo:
Out-of-control emotions...! We saw those during the Nine-Tales [sic] Vale incident. So, all we have to do is find the source of his uncontrollable anger, right?

Athena:
Right. Help me look for a conflict between his statements and the images we see. If we can find that we can wrestle him away from whatever's tormenting him. (Mr. Newman said that there's something "getting in the way" of him being pretty. Something that doesn't go with girly clothes... But what could it be?)

Newman:
FINE! I'LL TESTIFY, MAAAAAAN!!!

NOISE LEVEL85%

Newman:I snuck in, knowing the costume was in there!

My heart was pounding, even though I'm a guy.

It's true! I felt a powerful feeling when I saw that long frilly scarf.

Athena:
Right. The conflict in his testimony will most likely arise from his emotional repression.

Athena:
Let's compare the images to his testimony! We might find the problem that way!

Athena:
Mr. Newman, you feel a great deal of anger toward your brace, don't you? Is that what you feel is holding you back from being as pretty as you think you should be?

Newman:
Huh? Wh-Wh-Wh-WHAAAAAAT?!

Athena:
Mr. Newman! The truth is, you really want to take that brace off, don't you?

Newman:
No way maaan! This is a symbol of masculinity! I could never take it off!!!

Athena:
Is it that you can't take it off, or that you don't want to take it off?

Newman:
Aw, maaaaaaaaaaaan! I shoulda kept my big mouth shut!!!

Athena:
......... (This is really weird. He exhibits intense anger toward his brace, which he calls a "symbol of masculinity"... ...but he can't take it off, even when dressing like a girl. And why is he so interested in girls' clothes in the first place? I have a feeling we're on the verge of uncovering an earth-shattering secret.)

Apollo:
Athena? You okay?

Athena:
It seems Robin is still hiding a secret. A big one.

Apollo:
Bigger than the fact that he likes to wear girls' clothes?

Athena:
Yes, at least I think so. ! (No, it can't be! I just thought of something, but it's totally insane!) Mr. Newman!

Newman:
Wh-What?!

Athena:
I'm on to your little secret. And if I'm correct, it's not very little at all. It's huge! This sounds completely insane, but it's the only possibility left.

You like girls' clothing

Athena:
Mr. Newman! You like to dress like a girl!

Newman:
That's right! And I'm never gonna change! I'll show you how real men cross-dress!!!

Athena:
You will? (Now???)

Apollo:
Athena, we already know he likes to cross-dress. This line of discussion is a dead end.

Athena:
(But if he really likes to dress like a girl, you'd think he'd want to... ...take that "symbol of masculinity" off when he does it. Wait, could this mean...?)

Leads back to:
"This sounds completely insane, but it's the only possibility left."

You hate girls

Athena:
You don't like girls, do you?

Newman:
What?! Whaaaaaat?! WHAT GAVE YOU THAT IDEA?!

Athena:
Oh... Then, what? You like girls?

Newman:
I-I-I! I refuse to answer thaaaat!

Apollo:
Athena, you're not asking just of curiosity, are you?

Athena:
What? N-No, of course not! (Better try something else.)

Leads back to:
"This sounds completely insane, but it's the only possibility left."

You're a girl

Leads to:
"Mr. Newman, or should I say... Ms. Newman..."

Athena:
Mr. Newman, or should I say... Ms. Newman... You are and have always been a girl!

Apollo:
What?! Have you lost the plot, Athena?!

Athena:
No, I'm completely serious. I don't have any direct evidence. But that's what Robin's heart is shouting out, loud and clear!

Apollo:

Apollo:
I still think you've totally lost it! I mean, Robin reeks of testosterone! How could he possibly be a she?! I, for one, have never seen a girl who shouts like a maniac all the time!

Newman:
Ooh. Ooh hoo hoo. Ooooooh.

Judge:
I've seen plenty of witnesses in my day... ...but if he's a she, then she's the most convincing actress I have ever encountered. Therefore, let me pronounce my verdict. Robin Newman is without question... a man!

Newman:
Ooh. Ooh hoo hoo. Ooooooh. Ooh hoo hoo.........

Blackquill:
You are now truly Justice-dono's equal in one area. You are just as equally insane! Never in the history of this planet has there been a finer specimen of the masculine spirit.

Athena:(What an amazing transformation.) Well, all the discord is gone. The image is now complete!

NOISE LEVEL0%

BYE BYE

Newman:
I was raised as a boy since I was little, and I studied law just as my parents wanted. But now, this living lie that had me pinned to the ground, it's...! Aaaaaagh! *huff* *puff* It's been blown to smithereens by you, Athena! Now I can stop pretending I want to be a prosecutor! I'm gonna be an artist! Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!

Judge:
Order! Order!!! What a shocking development. He really DID turn out to be she!

Newman:
Eek! Why's everyone looking at me like that?! Tee hee! I feel like a movie star or something! But no paparazzi please! I value my privacy, O-K-A-Y? RAAAAAAAAAWH! No pics or you'll regret it, maaaaaaaaaan!!!

Apollo:
Am I just imagining things, or is Robin even more hyper now than when she was a he?

Athena:
I don't know. Maybe it's because she finally got her troubles off her chest, literally.

Judge:
This is all well and good, but does he being a she actually change anything?

Athena:
The fact that the witness is a girl does change things. Because there is now a piece of evidence that we must re-evaluate!

Judge:
Hmm... Very well, let's see what the defense has for us now. What piece of evidence must we reconsider now that we know that the witness is a girl?

Present Tape Recorder

Athena:

Leads to:
"This is what I'd like the court to reconsider."

Present anything else

Athena:

Athena:
This piece of evidence must be reconsidered because Mr. Newman is really Ms. Newman!

Judge:
Hmm... Please do explain.

Athena:
Yes, Your Honor. You see, I feel that if you have a sharp eye and an open mind... ...you can discover something completely new in the most obvious of places!

Judge:
Hmm... Yet, the defense's statement reflects anything but those two admirable traits.

Athena:
Eeek! (Guess that won't fly! But I know we have some sort of evidence that could be seen differently based on sex.)

Leads back to:
"What piece of evidence must we reconsider now that we know that the witness is a girl?"

Athena:
This is what I'd like the court to reconsider.

Judge:
Oh, the tape recorder -- the one that recorded the threat, "You're a goner!"

Athena:
That's right. And we have already established that it's a female voice in the recording. Of all the students who could've moved the body before the mock was to start... ...our client was the only female if you exclude Ms. Scuttlebutt because of her alibi. And that is why the tape recorder made our client the prime suspect.

Judge:
Ah... So then...!

Athena:
That's right! The witness just revealed that she's a girl! Therefore! If we are using the voice in this recording as the basis for hurling accusations... ...this witness must be labeled a suspect, too!

Newman:
Oh... Oh, noooooo!

Apollo:
Wow... Talk about a sudden turn of events. You've done it. You've found a hole in one of the prosecution's key pieces of evidence.

Athena:
Yeah... But, wow, that was a lot of work for a single one.

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Not so hasty, now. You're forgetting that only one person here was privy to the script. Ergo, Ms. Juniper Woods is still the prime suspect!

Athena:

Athena:
But Ms. Newman hid the fact that she was a girl, both at the crime scene and in court! I'd say that puts her in Camp Suspicious!

Newman:
Eek! That's not nice, Athena! How can you accuse me of being a killer? I mean, I'm just a weak, innocent little girl! Just thinking about murder makes me--

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Hmph! Suspicious is as suspicious does. Undoubtedly, the witness does have some sort of connection to this crime. Perhaps our newfound lady is merely feigning ignorance. We can surmise that she lent support to the principal offender, Juniper Woods. By leading Ms. Scuttlebutt to the body, that would make her an accessory to the crime.

Newman:
How can you say that?! I'm not an accessory to any crime, Mr. Birdman!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
...B-Birdman...? In any event, with the witness as an accessory, it explains quite a bit, does it not?

Athena:

Athena:
............Argh! (He made it all make sense somehow! And he'll keep accusing Junie unless we can show someone else knew the script's details. But how could someone have gotten their hands on that kind of info? The only way they could've known what was in the script was if they...)

Saw the mock trial

Athena:
Nothing could be more simple. All anyone had to do was watch the mock trial.

Blackquill:
.........

Apollo:
But Athena, the murder took place before the mock trial even began.

Leads back to:
"(The only way they could've known what was in the script was if they...)"

Heard it from Junie

Leads to:
"(Sorry, Junie, but...)"

Had penned the script

Athena:
I've got it! All anyone has to do is write their own script! In a completely stream-of-thought, devil-may-care way!

Judge:
I'm not even going to ask how such a Frankenstein could resemble the actual script!

Athena:
Noooooo! (Oh, well, if at first you don't succeed...)

Leads back to:
"(The only way they could've known what was in the script was if they...)"

Athena:(Sorry, Junie, but... You're not going to like this.) Our client may have leaked the script's details to someone.

Blackquill:
...What the devil?

Woods:
And I know I shouldn't have, but... I revised the script to favor the prosecution. But Prof. Courte noticed it immediately and changed it back.

Athena:
Ms. Woods did not want Hugh O'Conner to win the mock trial. That's why I believe she leaked the details to the witness, Robin Newman.

Apollo:
I get it. If Robin won, Hugh wouldn't be able to confess to Juniper.

Athena:
Right. Junie was probably trying to keep their friendship from becoming awkward.

Newman:

Newman:
*sob* *sniffle* How could you, Thena! WHADDA BUNCH O' BULL! I...! I...! I NEVER HEARD A WORD ABOUT THE SCRIPT FROM JUNIPER. NEVER EVEEEEEER!

Athena:

Athena:
You sure?! Can you look me in the eye and swear you didn't?

Newman:
B-A-D Athena... YOU DON'T HAVE ANY EVIDEEEEEEEENCE!

Athena:
Grr...

Apollo:
.........Actually, we might have just the thing.

Athena:
Really?

Apollo:
Yeah, one of Robin's lines I read when we were reenacting the mock trial.

Klavier:
Here's a shot of the crime scene. Ironically, it was Prof. Courte who posed as the corpse. Herr Forehead, how did the mock trial participants react to this photo?

Apollo:
Mr. Newman was surprised by what Prof. Courte was wearing.

Apollo:
Robin said, "Oh, the green sweat suit."

Newman:
S-U-R-E, I might have said that. But... SO WHHAAATTT?!

Apollo:
Well, think of it this way, Athena.

Athena:
Y-Yeah. Uh, which way, exactly?

Apollo:
If I told you that I'd be wearing a blue suit today... ...but then showed up wearing what I've got on now, what would you say?

Athena:
Umm... "Oh, the red suit." Ah! (I-I think I've got it...!) Your Honor! We have evidence proving that Ms. Newman knew the contents of the script. The defense moves to present said evidence to the court!

Judge:
Very well, Ms. Cykes. Present away.

Athena:This evidence proves that Ms. Newman had prior knowledge of the script's contents.

Present Mock Trial Script

Athena:

Leads to:
"...The mock trial's script?"

Present anything else

Athena:

Judge:
Hmm... And on what are you basing your assertion?

Newman:
I don't understand! Why are you just making stuff up? Oh, Athena! Shame on Y-O-U!

Athena:
(When Robin commented about the body in the mock trial... ...it was like she was saying Prof. Courte was wearing the sweat suit she always wore. That's not something you'd expect her to say, unless...!)

Leads back to:
"This evidence proves that Ms. Newman had prior knowledge of the script's contents."

Judge:
...The mock trial's script?

Athena:
Ms. Newman, during the mock trial, you were shown a photo of the victim's body... ...and reportedly, you reacted by saying, "Oh, the green sweat suit."

Newman:
Oh, um... Yes, I said that. What's your point?

Athena:
You seemed to have some issue with the green sweat suit, and I think I know why. The proof is in the script, specifically on the "Things to Prepare" page. "Sweat suit: Victim's outfit will be a red one from the prosecutor course."

Newman:
Ah!

Athena:
You were surprised because the sweat suit in the photo was green. But, if you didn't know about the script's content... Then that shouldn't have surprised you!

Newman:
...N-- Noooooooooooooooooo! I thought we were friends, Athena! How could I have been so bliiiiiiiiind!

Athena:
In light of her privileged knowledge, I move to declare Ms. Newman a suspect, Your Honor!

Judge:
You whaaaaaat?!

Newman:

Newman:
If knowing script details makes me a suspect... ...then there must be others besides me! I mean, someone else could've also seen Prof. Courte's note!

Athena:
Note...? What note?

Newman:
The professor and Juniper were working together to prepare for the mock trial. But only one copy of the script was made to prevent it from being leaked. But that gets kind of inconvenient, right?

Athena:
You're not seriously going to suggest...!

Newman:
Eek! But it's the truth! Prof. Courte did do exactly what you're thinking! She didn't write down any of the proceedings or the truth behind the case... But she did write a note to herself about the props and details about the victim's B-O-D-Y!

Athena:
...Is this really true, Ms. Newman?

Newman:
If you don't believe me, send the police over to my house! Tell them to check the pictures on my camera. I thought it might give me an advantage... ...so I took a picture of the note!

Apollo:
.........I'd say she's telling the truth.

Athena:(...Wait a sec!) If there's a note with details about the body, then that means... ...there are others who could have made the murder look like our client's script!

Judge:
Yes, I believe you're right!

Blackquill:
...Hmph!

Athena:
Apparently, this case isn't as clear-cut as Prosecutor Blackquill would have us believe. This new revelation blasts a big fat hole in the prosecution's case!

Blackquill:
The battle is still young. And my blade is now fully drawn. Between it and my next witness, your life will be forfeit. So, put away your wooden sword... ...and show me what you are truly capable of if you wish to live!

Athena:(You want it? Don't worry, I'm gonna bring it!)

O'Conner:
......... I already said I want nothing to do with this trial.

Blackquill:
How juvenile. It is not a matter of what you want, for you WILL cooperate, Hugh O'Conner.

Judge:
Prosecutor Blackquill. Why have you called this witness?

Blackquill:
You will recall that they day before the mock trial -- in short, the day of the murder... ...the accused testified that she left for home at around 6:00 PM.

Judge:
Yes. My notes here do confirm that fact.

Athena:
Right. Our client wasn't at school at the estimated time of death, so she couldn't be--

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Yet, that was but a felicitous lie. Or am I mistaken, Golden Boy?

O'Conner:
Heh. The word of a genius is as good as gold. Let's get on with this. Hugh O'Conner. A senior at Themis Legal Academy, lawyer course. How's that?

Judge:
J-Just fine. Your testimony, then... If you please.

Apollo:
You're up against the top of the class now. I'd be careful if I were you.

Athena:
I know Junie would never lie like that! That pompous schoolboy won't know what hit him!

Witness Testimony

-- Around the Time of the Murder --

O'Conner:
To get mentally prepared for the mock trial, I meditated at the archery range till 7:00 PM.
At around, 7:15, I went to the main building before going home. That's when I saw Juniper.
We didn't say much as we passed by each other. She seemed her usual self.
That's it. Anything else you'd like to ask?

Blackquill:
That is quite enough. Well done, Golden Boy.

O'Conner:
...Heh.

Blackquill:
The final bell rings at 7:00 PM, at which point, the campus is a desolate place. Now, you will recall the tape recorder. We know the time of the voice recording. It was 7:10 PM, the day before the mock trial. That was the dark hour of this heinous crime.

Athena:
D-Do you have any proof of that?!

Blackquill:
As its final bell, this school plays a special broadcast when the clock strikes seven. The female voice on the tape appears ten minutes after that broadcast. The killer waited until the school was empty to spring her devious and deadly trap.

Tape Recorder updated in the Court Record.

Judge:
So, when the witness saw the defendant, that would've been...!

Blackquill:
Indeed. It was five minutes after the voice was captured on tape in the art room. Ergo, we know that the accused was still in the main building, even after the killing.

Judge:
Hmm... So the time of the murder and the time of when the body was moved...

Athena:(Great... Another inconvenient testimony.)

Judge:
Ms. Cykes, your cross-examination, please.

Cross-Examination

-- Around the Time of the Murder --

O'Conner:To get mentally prepared for the mock trial, I meditated at the archery range till 7:00 PM.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
So, um... do you meditate often?

O'Conner:
Heh. Don't tell me you're going to start pestering me, too.

Athena:
What's that supposed to mean?

O'Conner:
No need to play dumb with me. All the girls want to know about my private life.

Athena:
Wha--?!

Judge:
I will remind the defense this is a court of law, not a pick-up spot.

Blackquill:
Hmph. It seems miss fancy-pants lawyer is smitten with the witness.

O'Conner:At around, 7:15, I went to the main building before going home. That's when I saw Juniper.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
Our client has stated she went home at 6:00 PM!

Athena:
You and Prof. Courte were busy preparing for the mock trial together yesterday, right? Was that the last time you saw her?

Woods:
...Yes. I left school at around 6:00 PM.

O'Conner:
...No, wrong. I don't know what she was doing, but Juniper was definitely at school after 7:00 PM. But I suppose neither side can prove one way or the other.

Athena:
Ugh. (But if Junie was there, that means she's lying.)

O'Conner:
Truth be told, I only saw her for the briefest of moments.

O'Conner:We didn't say much as we passed by each other. She seemed her usual self.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
So you just walked past a good friend, barely saying a word?

O'Conner:
The final bell had already rung. They get mad when you stand around chatting. Then again, we're not like you people, talking endlessly in those annoyingly loud voices.

Athena:

Athena:
Annoyingly loud voices?! I'd like it if you refrained from insulting my partner like that!

Apollo:
Normally, I'd shout, "Objection!" right about now, but I'll take this one for the team.

O'Conner:
Heh. Anyway, I think that's about all I have to say.

O'Conner:Oh, let me add I never went to the art room. There was no reason for me to be there.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
You had no reason to be in the art room... Really?

O'Conner:
The lawyer course I'm in is supervised by Prof. Means. Plus, I'm not a member of Prof. Courte's Art Club, so why would I even go there?

Athena:
What about art class?

O'Conner:
Heh. Nice try, but Seniors don't take art class.

Athena:
All right, then let me ask you--

O'Conner:
Wait. I just remembered something important!

Athena:
You did?

O'Conner:
I scored only 100% on all the art tests I took through Junior year. ...That's it.

Athena:
(Riiight... Always happy to indulge in some ego-stroking. Anyway, what to ask next...)

How did you prep for the mock trial?

Athena:
Please tell the court what you were dong on October 23rd, the day before the mock trial.

O'Conner:
Heh. That's an easy one -- nothing in particular.

Athena:
Nothing at all? You didn't help with the preparations?

O'Conner:
You don't get it, do you? I was merely playing the role assigned to me. I left the preparations and the like to others. My job was to be mentally prepared.

Athena:
(Junie put her heart and soul into getting things ready, while he just sat on his behind?)

O'Conner:
Just to reiterate, I spent most of the 23rd meditating at the archery range. I didn't talk to anyone until the school closed at 7:00 PM. I supposed a few Archery Club members did come and go while I was there.

Athena:
But you didn't talk to anyone? Not a single soul?

O'Conner:
That's right. I didn't say a word to anyone till the final bell at 7:00 PM.

Athena:
I see... This is crucial information. Please add it to your testimony.

O'Conner:
I don't know if you're bluffing, but if you are, you have a pretty good poker face.

Add statement:
"I didn't talk to anyone until the final bell. I'd been meditating alone at the archery range."

Why did you stay past the last bell?

Athena:
Why would an honor student like you ignore the last bell?

O'Conner:
I wouldn't say I ignored it. I was simply running a little late.

Athena:
Do you remember exactly how late?

O'Conner:
Heh. You're a stickler for details, lady. But if I had to say, it was maybe about ten, fifteen minutes. If you think that's important, I'll add it to my testimony.

Athena:
I was hoping you'd say that.

Add statement:
"The final bell had rung ten, fifteen minutes earlier. No biggie."

Add statement:
"Oh, let me add I never went to the art room. There was no reason for me to be there."

How did you prep for the mock trial?

Athena:
Please tell the court what you were dong on October 23rd, the day before the mock trial.

O'Conner:
Heh. That's an easy one -- nothing in particular.

Athena:
Nothing at all? You didn't help with the preparations?

O'Conner:
You don't get it, do you? I was merely playing the role assigned to me. I left the preparations and the like to others. My job was to be mentally prepared.

Athena:
(Junie put her heart and soul into getting things ready, while he just sat on his behind?)

O'Conner:
Just to reiterate, I spent most of the 23rd meditating at the archery range. I didn't talk to anyone until the school closed at 7:00 PM. I supposed a few Archery Club members did come and go while I was there.

Athena:
But you didn't talk to anyone? Not a single soul?

O'Conner:
That's right. I didn't say a word to anyone till the final bell at 7:00 PM.

Athena:
I see... This is crucial information. Please add it to your testimony.

O'Conner:
I don't know if you're bluffing, but if you are, you have a pretty good poker face.

Add statement:
"I didn't talk to anyone until the final bell. I'd been meditating alone at the archery range."

No further questions

Athena:
Actually, never mind. I've got all the info I need.

O'Conner:
Heh. My, don't we seem confident.

O'Conner:I didn't talk to anyone until the final bell. I'd been meditating alone at the archery range.

Press

Athena:

Athena:
You really didn't talk to anyone?

O'Conner:
Well, I did exchange a few greetings. But what does that matter?

Athena:
(So, he didn't have any conversations? The entire day? Me thinks that claim needs a little more scrutiny. But what should I do? Is there anything I should ask about in more detail?)

Did you go to the art room?

Athena:
Did you stop by the art room, or as it's now known, the scene of the crime?

O'Conner:
No, I didn't.

Athena:
Can you prove it?

O'Conner:
As much as I'd like to say I could, I can't. But let me ask you, can YOU prove that I did?

Athena:
As much as I'd like to say I could, I can't. But I will ask how often do you visit there?

O'Conner:
Hardly ever. There's no reason for me to be there, anyway.

Athena:
There's no reason for you to be there?

O'Conner:
Is there an echo in here? If something's bothering you, I'll just add it to my testimony.

Add statement:
"Oh, let me add I never went to the art room. There was no reason for me to be there."

Why did you stay past the last bell?

Athena:
Why would an honor student like you ignore the last bell?

O'Conner:
I wouldn't say I ignored it. I was simply running a little late.

Athena:
Do you remember exactly how late?

O'Conner:
Heh. You're a stickler for details, lady. But if I had to say, it was maybe about ten, fifteen minutes. If you think that's important, I'll add it to my testimony.

Athena:
I was hoping you'd say that.

Add statement:
"The final bell had rung ten, fifteen minutes earlier. No biggie."

How did you prep for the mock trial?

Athena:
Please tell the court what you were dong on October 23rd, the day before the mock trial.

O'Conner:
Heh. That's an easy one -- nothing in particular.

Athena:
Nothing at all? You didn't help with the preparations?

O'Conner:
You don't get it, do you? I was merely playing the role assigned to me. I left the preparations and the like to others. My job was to be mentally prepared.

Athena:
(Junie put her heart and soul into getting things ready, while he just sat on his behind?)

O'Conner:
Just to reiterate, I spent most of the 23rd meditating at the archery range. I didn't talk to anyone until the school closed at 7:00 PM. I supposed a few Archery Club members did come and go while I was there.

Athena:
But you didn't talk to anyone? Not a single soul?

O'Conner:
That's right. I didn't say a word to anyone till the final bell at 7:00 PM.

Athena:
I see... This is crucial information. Please add it to your testimony.

O'Conner:
I don't know if you're bluffing, but if you are, you have a pretty good poker face.

Add statement:
"I didn't talk to anyone until the final bell. I'd been meditating alone at the archery range."

Athena:
Wow, is that the confidence and composure that comes from being a genius?

Apollo:
Athena, it doesn't matter who's on the stand. Our job is still the same.

Athena:(Sure, but if Junie was really still at school after 6:00 PM... Ugh. I didn't spot any inconsistencies in Hugh's testimony, either. What am I supposed to do now?)

Athena:
So, you didn't talk to anybody on October 23rd? Are you sure about that?

O'Conner:
Heh. I already told you, my word is as good as gold.

Athena:
Okay, then how do you explain this? And don't spare any details.

O'Conner:
Sorry, never seen that before.

Athena:
This is the victim's planner. She recorded all of her plans in great detail. Take a look at this page here. It reads, "23rd - Meet with Hugh" and "Important." Don't you find that... interesting?

O'Conner:
Wha-?! Where'd you get that?!

Athena:
The keyword here is "important." You say you were at the archery range all day. But you also said a few students came and went while you were there. That doesn't sound like a great place for an important talk.

Judge:
But the entire campus was buzzing with activity before the mock trial. Where could they have possibly had a private conversation?

Athena:
I thought about that, too. But the situation changes after the last bell.

Judge:
What's this, now?!

Athena:
The witness stayed after the last bell... ...in order to have a private talk with the victim. Am I right, Mr. O'Conner?!

O'Conner:
This is insane!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Hmph. Must we go through this yet again? I suppose you also have no evidence, as usual.

Athena:
No, I don't have any direct evidence. However, the witness was meditating until after the last bell. And he attempted to conceal his private meeting with the victim!

O'Conner:
Heh. First Robin, now me? Who are you going to accuse next? You're just another unscrupulous attorney looking to get ahead.

Apollo:
Don't let him get to you. He's definitely hiding something. I mean, he was supposed to meet with the victim around her estimated time of death.

Athena:
I had my suspicions about Robin, but... ...Hugh seems just as guilty! These three are the only possible suspects, after all!

Blackquill:
If it will save me some trouble, then by all means, speak away.

O'Conner:
If you would recall, Ms. Cykes, the voice on the tape recorder was female. Knowing that, I'd like you to explain how I could possibly be a suspect.

Athena:
Ooh... (He has a point...)

Blackquill:
Hmph, impressive. Golden Boy here does shine gold, indeed. Care to take the reins? You're more than capable of prosecuting this case.

O'Conner:
Heh. Sorry, but I'm studying to be a lawyer.

Blackquill:
What a pity. To think such genius is to be wasted on mere lawyering. At last, your moment is here, Cykes-dono. Time to refute Golden Boy's statement... ...and prove that you're the young prodigy worthy of the badge on your lapel!

Athena:
Uuuurgh! (Could he lay any more pressure on...?!)

Apollo:
The voice is unmistakably female, so there's no point in arguing about that.

Athena:
Yeah... You're right. In which case...! (To whom does the voice on the tape really belong to?)

The witness

Athena:
The voice on the tape is that of this witness!

O'Conner:
But I'm a man with a man's voice. All you have to do is open your eyes and ears.

Athena:

Athena:
Then let me ask, did you know Robin was a girl all along?

O'Conner:
Agh... But th-that's different...!

Athena:
See, Your Honor, I have him squirming on the stand!

Judge:
Yes, but it would have been nice if it had been due to a fact relevant to your rebuttal.

Athena:
Arghh! (Now I'M the one squirming at my stand... The voice is definitely female. That much we know. In that case...)

Leads back to:
"(To whom does the voice on the tape really belong to?)"

The victim

Leads to:
"The voice on the tape belongs to the victim. That's the only thing that makes sense."

The defendant

Athena:
If the voice is female, it must belong to our client Juniper Woods!

Judge:
How about you at least pretend to take ownership of your statements.

Athena:
Uuugh! (If it wasn't Junie's voice, then...)

Leads back to:
"(To whom does the voice on the tape really belong to?)"

Athena:
The voice on the tape belongs to the victim. That's the only thing that makes sense.

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Are you mad? The voice on the recording says, "You're a goner!" That is something a murderer shouts at their victim, not the other way around.

Athena:
Hmm... (Yeah, that is a problem.) You're a goner... You're a goner... You're a goner...

Apollo:
Um, Athena?

Athena:
You're a goner... You a goner... Hew a corner... Hue o conner? ...Wait a second!

Apollo:
Whoa, Athena, you're scaring me here.

Athena:
YOU'RE scared? I'm terrified for even coming up with this!

Apollo:
With what?

Athena:
Prosecutor Blackquill! You wanted to know if I am worthy of my badge. Well, I'm about to show you why, despite my age, I'm able to proudly wear this at all!

Blackquill:
Oh? Then can I take it you won't be changing your argument? Still, it stands that it's a bit odd for the victim to be the one yelling, "You're a goner!"

Athena:
I agree, if that's what the victim was saying. But it's not.

Judge:
Hmm... I assume you have something to back up your assertion, Ms. Cykes?

Athena:(Not exactly... But you don't have to add fuel to his fire, Your Honor!)If it is indeed Prof. Courte's voice on the tape, then she was shouting because she was...

Threatening O'Conner

Athena:
"You're a goner!" was a threat directed at the witness!

O'Conner:
And what possible reason would she have to do that?

Athena:
Oh, well, she was at that rebellious age. You know how students can be.

Judge:
The victim was neither a student nor at a rebellious age. She was a professor.

Athena:
Noooooo! (How could I forget such a basic fact?! You're a goner... You a goner... Hew a corner... Wait! Maybe...!)

Leads back to:
"If it is indeed Prof. Courte's voice on the tape, then she was shouting because she was..."

Being threatened by O'Conner

Athena:
"You're a goner" was a threat the witness shouted at the victim!

Blackquill:
As has been mentioned countless times, the voice in the recording is female. How the devil do you reckon it belongs to the witness?

Athena:
Oh, right, heh heh.

Judge:
I'm confused how you could be confused about that, so without further ado, a penalty.

Athena:
No fair! (Two against one! You're a goner... You a goner... Hew a corner... Wait! Maybe...!)

Leads back to:
"If it is indeed Prof. Courte's voice on the tape, then she was shouting because she was..."

Scolding O'Conner

Leads to:
"I would like to call one basic fact into question."

Athena:
I would like to call one basic fact into question. Is that shout on the tape really saying, "You're a goner!"?

Apollo:
...What are you up to now, Athena?

Athena:
Prof. Courte's planner says she was supposed to meet with the witness for an important talk. Perhaps our witness, despite being a genius, had done something wrong... And this made Prof. Courte get angry with him during their private meeting.

Judge:
I don't see how this changes what we heard on the tape.

Athena:
Well, if you want to see how it changes things ...then let's try a little experiment. Your Honor, I want you to tell at the witness as if you're mad at him. But... and this important... use his full name!

Athena:(You think I'd spend the energy to lead you this far if it wasn't true?!) Ah, but it is, Your Honor. Humans are not perfect, that's scientific fact. We sometimes mistake shadows for monsters, or the winds for voices.

Judge:
Hmmm... Now that you mention it...

Athena:(You can do this, Athena! Just give the old guy one more little push...!) The voice on the tape recorder never was "You're a goner!" That's only what we thought we heard, when in fact, it was the witness getting yelled at! The court will note that this is different from the selective hearing men are so good at!

Apollo:
...I think you're right, but what was that last part again?

Athena:
Never mind. The important thing is that the voice that was recorded isn't our client's. And since it was the victim scolding the witness, he must now join the list of suspects!

O'Conner:
Hrrrgh!

Blackquill:

Blackquill:
Hmph. I had thought that testimony would suffice, but it seems it has come to this. I will not allow such fallacious quibbles to upend this case. The prosecution has one final piece of evidence to present to the court.

Athena:(E-Evidence? What's he going to pull out now?!)

Blackquill:
Feast your eyes on this photo, and let me see that insolent look vanish from within them.

Judge:
Let's see here... Oh, it's a picture of the defendant and the victim.

Blackquill:
The photograph shows professor and student preparing for the mock trial together.

Athena:
Wait, was this taken in the art room -- the room where the murder occurred?

Blackquill:
Indeed it was. But the revelations do not end there. Do you see the clock on the wall? It reads 7:05, a mere five minutes before the voice was recorded on the tape.

Athena:
WH-WHAAAAAAT!

Blackquill:
The accused brutally stabbed the victim to death five minutes after this photo was taken.

School Camera Photo added to the Court Record.

Judge:
Hmm... It seems the defendant's culpability in this crime is quite obvious.

Athena:(Junie was with Prof. Courte just five minutes before she was murdered? What now? Nothing I say can change that fact...!)

Blackquill:
Hmph. Understand now? You can believe in your client all wish, but try as you might... ...such misplaced faith will inevitably be cut down before the cruel, steely blade of truth.

Athena:
Ngaaah!

Blackquill:
...Listen, missy. The person you'd like to save more than anyone else in the world? I'd be willing to wager that your defense isn't what they desire.

Athena:
B-B-But...! I became a lawyer so I could--

Blackquill:
You still fail to understand? After so much pain and defeat? The courts are not the play yards of little children dressed as lawyers. So before you break your back in failure... ...run along home and grow up!

Athena:
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Athena:(If he thinks I'm giving up now, he's got another thing coming! I have to find my inner strength if I ever hope to save him. But I can't think of any way to strike back. The worst of times are when lawyers have to force their biggest smiles? That's impossible! How could I smile under these circumstances, even if I forced it?!)

Apollo:
This is badder than bad! Who knew Blackquill had that one waiting in the wings! Why didn't that Twisted Samurai just present it at the beginning?

Athena:(Wait, maybe this was his real plan? Was he just trying to show me how weak and powerless I am?! Maybe he's right, because I really haven't got a clue! Who's the real killer? Who murdered Prof. Constance Courte?) Robin Newman, a girl who had been forced to live a lie as a guy? Or was it Hugh O'Conner, the honor student who had met with Prof. Courte?

Judge:
There seems to be little reason to debate the defendant's guilt any longer. The time for a verdict has come.

???:

Newman:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN, MAAAAAAN!

Judge:
What's the meaning of this? You can't interrupt a judge about to hand down a--

Newman:
Tee hee hee. Maybe, but false verdicts are a N-O N-O!

Judge:
Wha-?!

Athena:
Ms. Newman, please explain yourself!

Newman:
Juniper's not the killer. I know because... because I know who the real killer is.

Athena:
You do? You know who the real killer is? (What is she up to now?)

Newman:
Yup! I know because the real killer is... M-E, me! Tee, hee!

Athena:
Uh......... WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!

Newman:
IT WAS ME! I DID IT ALL ALONE. JUST MEEEEEEEEE!

Athena:(I don't get it. Why is SHE confessing?)

Judge:
Hmm... Ms. Newman WAS witnessed near the stage. There's even a related photo of her. The more I think about it, the more suspicious she seems...

Newman:
ROBIN NEWMAN ISN'T THE KIND OF GUY WHO PINS THE BLAME ON FRIENDS... ...JUST SO HE CAN WALK FREEEEEEEEEE!!! GET IT OVER WITH! DECLARE ME GUILTY ALREADYYYYYYYYY!

???:

Woods:
*cough, cough* Please... wait.

Athena:
Juniper! Wh-What are you doing?!

Woods:
Thank you for all you've done, Thena. But you'll have to forgive me. I can't let my friends take the blame any longer!

Athena:
Junie! No! Don't do it!

Woods:
Hugh and Robin have done nothing wrong. They have absolutely no connection to this case. The real killer is... is me. I alone am responsible for the entire crime!

Blackquill:
.........Hmph. I see right through your cheap ploy. School rules state that a prior conviction terminates one's eligibility to graduate. A guilty verdict here would make whatever dreams one had go up in a puff of smoke.

Judge:
Oh, I wasn't aware...

Blackquill:
Even meek little mice will fight when cornered. A pitiful spectacle, I might add. These vermin are trying to protect each other now that they've nowhere else to run.

Athena:(Protect each other? Wait... So, was Robin just trying to protect Junie, too? If so, then the real killer is...)

Apollo:
Wow, he really is a genius. He even knows what you're thinking.

O'Conner:
Heh. I think it's about time I told you the truth. And I'll even get right to the point. It was me. I did it.

Athena:
Wait............ WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!

Apollo:
Now both potential suspects are claiming to be the real killer.

Athena:
Argh! I... I am so confused right now...!

O'Conner:
If you still have doubts, how about I detail my murder plot? It's absolute genius.

Blackquill:
Enough of this nonsense! This is a court of law, not the set of some high-school drama!

Judge:
I see I have no choice. I'm afraid I'll have to--

Blackquill:
Hoy! Wait, Your Baldness!

Judge:
...I'm sorry, Prosecutor Blackquill, but I'm in no position to hand down a verdict just yet. I am hoping that the defense and prosecution can come up with some airtight evidence. That is why I am giving you both the rest of the day to continue investigating this case.

Athena:(Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming...)

Blackquill:
Hmph. Fine. Do as you wish!

Judge:
This brings today's proceedings to a close. Court is adjourned!

To Be Continued

Presenting wrong evidence during testimony

Athena:
That statement contradicts the evidence!

Judge:
It does? And how would that be?

Athena:
J-Just look at it! It's one huge contradiction!

Judge:
...I see. The defense is simply making another baseless assertion.

Athena:
Eeeeeek! (Crash and burn!)

Presenting wrong evidence during testimony

Athena:
Your Honor, Members of the Court, please look at this. That's right. There's no need to explain anything. This piece of evidence says it all.

Judge:
All that says to me is you're completely wrong.

Athena:
Aaaaahhh! (I guess that won't fly.)

Presenting wrong evidence during testimony

Athena:
This piece of evidence clearly reveals the inconsistency in the witness's testimony!

Judge:
I've been doing this for far too long to be fooled by such nonsense.

Athena:
Ugh! (And I really tried hard that time, too.) Your Honor, can I at least get credit for trying?